False Promises Of Science
We were raised in the belief that science is the ultimate power. Science has all the answers. Let me shock you: it doesn’t and it is dangerous to assume that it does.
Science has SOME answers. And even then, the answers science has are not always correct or complete. Why? Because science is still evolving.
To name a few examples of false promises of science…
It never seizes to amaze me that physicians enjoy so much authority, act like gods and are revered to such a degree that patients often surrender common sense to follow their physician’s recommendations. I know and appreciate the fact that medicine has made a lot of progress. I see and understand the spectacular technology, perhaps most evident in diagnostics and research and in – some cases! – treatment. But the knowledge, technology and innovation are still developing. There is A LOT our modern medicine DOESN’T KNOW while recommending to patients “the best course of treatment” that often causes irreversible harm.
In many cases, the recommended procedure will not liberate the patient from suffering. Worse, some of the surgeries need to be repeated. But healthcare is a revenue generating industry that has to make money whether or not the end consumer (the patient!) is helped or not.
I find it outrageous. When I don’t know something, I don’t pretend to be an expert or dispense harmful advice. It’s very disturbing that when it comes to medicine such approach is socially and legally acceptable.
The same goes for the pharmaceutical industry….
Of course, the list doesn’t end with the healthcare industry.
When it comes to science in general, there is no doubt that we are advancing. The problem is that publicity and the media tend to be one-sided and often outshine reality. Space travel and landing on Mars are massive and legitimate achievements. They are also baby steps. Are we making progress in space exploration? Yes! But don’t be fooled, we are NOT ready to evacuate the Earth and move to a different planet should a catastrophe (like global warming, for instance) force us to do so. Today’s technology is far too primitive and not scalable enough to meet such a challenge. While media rightfully celebrates scientific progress, it doesn’t mention that in a case of a global scale catastrophe, we’ll all perish. (I’m not certain that our space industry is ready to send even a dozen people in space – who are equipped, trained and capable of surviving long term away from Earth – on a short notice.)
Perhaps if media covered BOTH sides and put our progress in perspective, we would be more realistic and more willing to shoulder responsibility for ourselves, each other and our impact on the Earth.
Don’t misunderstand me! I’m not questioning – or worse, belittling – legitimate scientific achievements. Nope, I stand in owe of them: I’m very impressed by Covid-19 vaccines, missions to Mars, technologies that promote better health, sustainability or those that help slow down global warming.
I know that science develops over time and that in many instances we have no choice but partake in – and pay the price for – its growth. I’m making a case for hubris. Integrity is to present the truth as it is, not to embellish it.
Any industry or individual that pretends to be all-knowing is engaging either in brainwashing or fraud. Both serve self-aggrandizing and self-enrichment. Neither benefits the public.
Bottom line: science isn’t omnipotent and professionals aren’t immune to hubris and greed. Keep it in mind when a new scientific achievement leaves you speechless. (You may be jumping to conclusions. Verify your assumptions, first.)
Remember my warnings before you get blindsided by a professional who might be misrepresenting the extent of his or her authority. (Don’t be timid. Ask questions. Check the facts for yourself.)
Science is the future and our ultimate salvation. Champion and support it! With that said, neither science nor its practitioners are deities. Do NOT worship or trust science or professionals, blindly. Use common sense: be a skeptic, not a worshipper! (It might protect you from becoming a victim.)
Photo by Niketh Vellanki on Unsplash
