Quote:Perhaps more importantly, we should acknowledge that there are faith-based myths running deep in science’s canon, and that scientists, even the great ones, may confuse their expectations of reality with reality itself. This is where faith-based belief emerges in science, as we imagine possible worlds beyond our present grasp. What principles guide us as we extrapolate ideas beyond the known and venture into unexplored territories of reality? We cannot use reason alone in our journey to these unknown lands — there is no clear path to follow. We can only explore the unknown using what we do know.

A scientist therefore must base their approach on an imponderable process that some call a hunch or an intuition. This is an intellectually guided expression of faith in how the scientist imagines the world to be. There is no way to venture into the unknown without this guiding light, and that light comes from a source that is not completely known. This is where science meets faith.

Magical Realist Wrote:When I gradually felt my religious beliefs slipping away in my early 20's, replaced one day by the more solid tenets of science and secular humanism, I didn't really notice how well fitted for my gaping belief-voids those tenets really were. An exciting belief afterall can only be replaced by another exciting belief. Creationism discarded for the just as faith-based theory of evolution. Apocalypse replaced by the vague prospect of some brave New World. Authorative theoretical texts subverting the formerly infallible sacred writ. Science has to take the form of dogmas in order to have a place in the modern human psyche. It is exquisitely fitted for the all too human need to hope and to have faith in transcendental things. It is a spirituality of materialistic gnosis and alchemical magick. It is an explicit trust in the human quest for progress and technology and ultimately for transcendental cosmic meaning.

(Jul 1, 2023 12:36 AM)confused2 Wrote:

Magical Realist Wrote:When I gradually felt my religious beliefs slipping away in my early 20's, replaced one day by the more solid tenets of science and secular humanism, I didn't really notice how well fitted for my gaping belief-voids those tenets really were. An exciting belief afterall can only be replaced by another exciting belief. Creationism discarded for the just as faith-based theory of evolution. Apocalypse replaced by the vague prospect of some brave New World. Authorative theoretical texts subverting the formerly infallible sacred writ. Science has to take the form of dogmas in order to have a place in the modern human psyche. It is exquisitely fitted for the all too human need to hope and to have faith in transcendental things. It is a spirituality of materialistic gnosis and alchemical magick. It is an explicit trust in the human quest for progress and technology and ultimately for transcendental cosmic meaning.

Turns out you are more quotable in your own right than most of the quotes you give. Yes, despite the bad things, these are still wildly exciting times we live in - thank you for reminding me.