The Evolving Perception of Skepticism and Faith in Science
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The Historical Context of Skepticism
In the 1990s, skepticism was often embraced as a vital component of scientific inquiry. Publications like The Skeptical Inquirer aimed to debunk claims related to the supernatural and fraudulent practices. Armed with Carl Sagan's The Demon-Haunted World, I was, perhaps naively, committed to this rational worldview.
Today, however, skepticism is viewed more negatively. For instance, the term "climate skeptic" has evolved to describe individuals who reject established climate science rather than scientists who critically evaluate climate theories, such as the mistaken belief that water vapor is the primary driver of global warming instead of carbon dioxide.
Faith and Its Misunderstandings
Conversely, faith is often perceived as exclusive to religion. One might mistakenly conclude from the title of this article that I argue science requires religion, a topic that merits separate discussion. It's essential to clarify that faith does not equate to blind belief without evidence; it stems from 18th-century rationalist philosophy. Instead, "faith" implies "trust," which is crucial in both science and religion.
Faith extends beyond mere belief; it influences actions. For example, if one is "faithful" to a partner, it's inconceivable to claim devotion while engaging in infidelity. In both scientific and religious contexts, faith manifests through choices that reflect trust in what one has been taught or discovered.
Currently, skepticism dominates while faith struggles, presenting challenges for both science and religion.
The Shift in Faith and Trust
What accounts for this shift?
- Declining Faith in Institutions: Since the 1960s, trust in institutions—churches, schools, government—has significantly dwindled. This widespread distrust fosters skepticism toward any claims made by these organizations, leading to reduced trust in both science and organized religion.
- Polarization and Division: As faith in institutions declines, cooperation within them has deteriorated. Individuals prioritize expressing their views over collaborative problem-solving. Consequently, the more institutions seek faith to address significant issues, the greater the backlash from dissenters.
- Rise of Individualism: The decline of institutional affiliations has spurred a surge in individualism. Social media capitalizes on this trend, encouraging self-promotion over genuine connection. This focus on personal issues often comes at the expense of concern for broader societal challenges.
The combination of distrust, infighting, and apathy diminishes science's influence on public action. Much like the tragic figure of Cassandra in Greek mythology, scientists often find their warnings ignored or dismissed. Unlike religion, science is typically portrayed as independent of faith, yet this perception is misleading.
Faith in Science
As a scientist, one must possess faith in evidence, the reproducibility of results, and the scientific method itself. This foundational faith extends to trust in scientific institutions like peer review, as no scientist can personally verify every data point from all studies.
The general public, lacking the expertise to grasp complex scientific concepts, must also place faith in science as an institution. However, skepticism arises from science's tendency to revise its conclusions in light of new evidence. During the pandemic, for instance, changing guidance on masks sowed confusion and eroded public confidence. While science thrives on uncertainty, effectively communicating this while maintaining compliance with evolving regulations can be challenging.
Ultimately, science can only benefit humanity when people have faith in it. Even if practiced by a select few, if disregarded, its advancements remain confined to academic journals or exploited by those in power.
The Dual Nature of Skepticism and Faith
This brings us back to the term "skepticism." While skepticism holds value, faith also plays a critical role. The key lies in discerning when to apply each appropriately.
Interestingly, the founder of Christianity, Jesus Christ, advocated for skeptical inquiry, warning against false prophets:
"And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you." (Matt. 24:3)
In a faith-based religion, why promote skepticism?
Both science and religion necessitate a balance of skepticism and faith. There are numerous false beliefs to navigate, and wisdom is required to identify true teachings. In science, this translates to faith in the scientific method and evidence, a philosophical stance that, despite lacking scientific validation, proves fruitful.
In Christianity, one must exercise skepticism regarding doubts about God's promises through Jesus Christ, while simultaneously nurturing faith that yields beneficial outcomes, such as love, joy, and peace—qualities highlighted by Paul in Galatians.
The New Testament illustrates the demand for evidence through signs and wonders, reflecting that skepticism was expected. This stands in stark contrast to the modern notion that religion eschews evidence. The authors of the New Testament were acutely aware of the need for proof, particularly in light of skepticism surrounding Jesus's resurrection.
In science, there exists both constructive and destructive skepticism. Ignoring well-supported scientific conclusions yields adverse results, such as climate change, while ethical dilemmas complicate the consequences of scientific advancements.
Chapter 2: Faith and Skepticism in Contemporary Context
In this enlightening talk, Tim Keller discusses the interplay between faith and skepticism, offering insights on how both can coexist meaningfully in our lives.
Chapter 3: The Role of Critical Thinking
In this engaging discussion, Bill Nye and others explore how critical thinking enhances our understanding of the world, emphasizing the value of skepticism in scientific inquiry.