The Decline of Scientific Inquiry: A Global Perspective
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Chapter 1: Understanding Science Beyond Western Boundaries
Science has taken a troubling turn, one that feels increasingly disconnected from its original purpose. Robert Downey Jr. once quipped that "it has gone full retard," a statement that resonates when we observe the current state of scientific inquiry.
Before delving deeper, it's crucial to clarify what is meant by "science." At its core, science is an exploration of reality, a quest for answers to the intricate questions that arise from our experiences on this planet and in the cosmos. This endeavor utilizes the empirical process, a methodical approach to uncovering truths.
Take gravity as an example. While gravity itself is a fundamental force, the scientific method that led Newton to uncover its principles is what we refer to as science. Newton recognized that while everyone saw the apple fall, he was the one who dared to question why it fell. This curiosity opened a new dimension of understanding, akin to peeling back layers of a cosmic onion. Science is born from this innate desire to know more.
However, there exists a common misconception that associates science exclusively with Western thought. The discoveries of Newton, Einstein, and others undoubtedly transformed the scientific landscape, but they primarily addressed the curiosities of Western society.
Science has existed long before the rise of European thought. For instance, ancient India contributed significantly to various scientific principles, from mathematical systems to metallurgy. The assumption that scientific reasoning originated solely in the West is not only misguided but also reflects a certain hubris.
Recognizing that science is a universal practice, celebrated in various cultures prior to the dominance of Abrahamic religions, is essential. Western science, shaped by its religious context, particularly Christianity, often suppressed curiosity, demanding obedience over inquiry.
This historical oppression eventually gave way to a flourishing of curiosity, manifested in what we now recognize as modern science. While science has indeed liberated many aspects of life, it is crucial to remember that the dark ages of ignorance were largely perpetuated by a lack of understanding from those religions.
Yet, the pressing concern today is the current state of Western science, which appears lost and increasingly regurgitates ideas that humanity has pondered for millennia.
The Age of the Universe: A Case Study
A prime example of this confusion is the ongoing debate about the age of the universe. For decades, the scientific community confidently asserted that the universe is approximately 13.6 billion years old. However, with the advent of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), our understanding is being challenged.
The JWST, equipped with advanced technology, allows scientists to observe the earliest light from the cosmos. As we gaze back into space, we simultaneously look back in time. Recent findings suggest that galaxies existed when the universe was merely 2% of its current age, leading to a reevaluation of the universe's age, now posited to be around 23.7 billion years.
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The scientific community's response to these findings has been a mix of skepticism and intrigue. Some argue that science's strength lies in its ability to adapt to new facts. While this adaptability is commendable, the frequent shifts in understanding regarding the universe's age can appear juvenile, especially for such a fundamental question.
In contrast, Sanskrit thought presents a more straightforward perspective: the universe is described as "Anadi-Anant," meaning "without beginning and without end." This concept encapsulates the idea of an infinite universe, a notion that Western science is only beginning to explore.
This clarity eliminates the need for constant revisions and provides a steady foundation for further exploration. The recognition of the universe's infinity encourages introspection and a focus on our place within it, fostering a sense of calm that can often be lost in the chaotic pursuit of scientific knowledge.
Yoga emerges from this understanding, emphasizing the importance of being present in the infinite. Unlike science, which seeks to quantify infinity, yoga invites us to fully experience each moment within the infinite continuum.
While there are numerous examples of the challenges faced by Western science, I won't delve into those here.
In conclusion, I am not against science itself. Science is not a Western endeavor; it has existed across cultures long before the emergence of contemporary Western thought. I appreciate my experiences in the West, but I believe it is crucial to seek alternatives to the current scientific paradigm. Western science has become a dogma, often guarded by those who wield knowledge as a form of power.
We must strive for a more democratic approach to knowledge, reminiscent of ancient practices, where science serves as a tool for enrichment rather than a means of control.