Science and Dogma by PM Bhargava
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In contemporary life, we constantly encounter
contradictions between science and various forms of dogma. Dogmatic beliefs,
like science, have become a part of our existence. These beliefs often arise
from unquestioned acceptance of religion, custom, convention, or tradition.
Over time, they have gained undue authority. However, not all aspects of
religion, custom, or tradition are dogmatic.
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A well-known contradiction between science and dogma
concerns the origin of humankind. Modern biology explains that life evolved
from non-living things through chemical and biological evolution. In contrast,
religions claim that humans were created by the will of God, fully formed.
These two perspectives are completely contradictory. A person's belief depends
on whether they prioritize dogma or science, with creationists favoring dogma
and evolutionists following science.
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Dogma is an opinion or belief accepted purely on
faith, without questioning. Those who adhere to dogma do not allow it to be
questioned, though they may seek clarification. Science, on the other hand,
requires questioning and rejects the acceptance of ideas based solely on faith.
Science does not accept the idea of an unquestionable authority, unlike dogma.
Even though there are individuals in science who may act like high priests,
science fundamentally requires their ideas to be questioned, regardless of their
status. There is no fixed hierarchy in science.
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Much of the dogma we observe stems from religion. The
problem becomes more serious because both religion and science share similar
origins. Both likely arose from humanity's desire to find answers to questions
about natural phenomena, such as the composition of air, water, and rocks, or
the reasons behind heat, light, and celestial events. Early humans must have
asked these questions, leading to the emergence of religious and scientific
explanations.
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This desire to answer fundamental questions likely
motivated the creation of religions, whether pagan or codified (such as
Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity). Since science also seeks
to answer similar questions, both religion and science have explored the same
subjects. However, their approaches are fundamentally different, leading to
contradictory answers at times. One subset of religious answers includes
dogmatic beliefs, which creates a conflict between science and dogma.
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Scientific answers are objective, verifiable, and
repeatable, independent of individual opinions or desires. In contrast,
dogmatic beliefs often arise from fear of the unknown. While dogmatic beliefs
claim to have the final answer, science considers all answers tentative and
open to change. Scientific answers are the result of consensus within the
scientific community, and this consensus is always subject to revision based on
new evidence.
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New scientific knowledge must align with established
observations, while dogmatic beliefs, such as miracles like object
materialization, often contradict these observations. Science advances by
gradually modifying existing knowledge, not by replacing it entirely. In
contrast, new dogmatic beliefs often seek to completely replace older beliefs.
For example, Christian and Hindu dogma do not overlap. Science is evolutionary,
continually progressing, while dogmatic beliefs remain mostly unchanged once
established.
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Texts that support dogmatic beliefs are usually
ancient, and their followers value older texts. In contrast, science values
modern texts, with newer knowledge being considered better. Followers of dogma
focus on past events and founders of the belief system, while science focuses
on present and future events. Dogma-based customs and practices remain
unchanged unless external forces, like science, cause change. Science, however,
improves its techniques over time from within its own system, making science
forward-looking and dogma backward-looking.
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There are everyday examples where we must choose
between science and dogma. Beliefs in rebirth and the soul are widely accepted
dogmas, despite a lack of reliable evidence. Modern biology shows that these
concepts are scientifically impossible. Over 99 percent of biologists reject
the notions of rebirth and soul. Belief in these ideas also reinforces social
evils, such as the caste system, where being born into a lower caste is seen as
a punishment for actions in a past life—a belief that cannot be proven.
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A sense of superiority based on birth, seen in
communalism, casteism, stateism, or linguistic chauvinism, stems from the
dogmatic belief that circumstances of birth, not genetics, determine a person's
abilities. This belief contradicts modern biology, which has, over the past 30
years, revealed the role of DNA in heredity and differences in living
organisms. Fatalism also arises from such beliefs, discouraging people from
standing up for their rights and against injustice.
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The concept of death is another example where science
challenges dogma. Religions view death as a final, irreversible event. However,
modern biology shows that even after death, certain parts of the body, such as
tissues and cells, can remain alive. Science has even enabled the cloning of
plants, like carrots, from a single cell. This challenges the idea that death
is absolute and final.
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Many people’s daily lives are influenced by dogmatic
beliefs, such as belief in heaven, hell, and astrology. These beliefs
contradict scientific knowledge about the universe, nutrition, health, and
disease. Yet, people cling to these beliefs and try to reconcile them with
science, which they feel they cannot reject entirely.
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The privileged classes often encourage these dogmatic
beliefs because it benefits them to keep people ignorant. If the masses were
properly educated and encouraged to question these beliefs, the privileges
enjoyed by those born into advantage would disappear.
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True progress lies in rejecting dogma and embracing
critical thinking, as advised by Lord Buddha. He taught not to accept anything
just because it is traditional or comes from an authority, but to adopt what is
rational, beneficial, and promotes the welfare of all. This should be the
guiding principle for people.
Critical Analysis
Introduction
In modern society, a constant tension exists between science and dogma—two fundamentally different ways of understanding the world. While science relies on evidence, questioning, and revision, dogma depends on faith, tradition, and unquestioned authority. This article explores the key differences between these two approaches and their impact on human thought and progress.
Defining Science and Dogma
What is Dogma?
Dogma consists of beliefs accepted without evidence, often rooted in:
Religion (creationism, divine will)
Tradition (caste systems, fatalism)
Superstition (astrology, miracles)
Unlike science, dogma discourages questioning and remains static over time.
What is Science?
Science is a systematic method of inquiry based on:
Empirical evidence
Testable hypotheses
Peer review and revision
Scientific knowledge evolves, while dogma resists change.
Key Differences Between Science and Dogma
| Aspect | Science | Dogma |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Evidence & experimentation | Faith & tradition |
| Change Over Time | Dynamic, evolves with new data | Static, resists change |
| Authority | No fixed hierarchy; ideas are questioned | Unquestioned authority (scriptures, religious leaders) |
| Goal | Understanding natural laws | Preserving belief systems |
Conflicts Between Science and Dogma
1. Origin of Life
Science: Life evolved through chemical and biological processes (evolution).
Dogma: Humans were created by divine will (creationism).
2. Death and the Soul
Science: Death is a biological process; cells can remain active post-death.
Dogma: Death is final; belief in an eternal soul persists despite lack of evidence.
3. Social Hierarchies
Science: Genetics (DNA) determines traits, not birth circumstances.
Dogma: Caste, race, or birth status dictate a person’s worth (e.g., casteism).
4. Supernatural Beliefs
Science: Astrology, miracles, and rebirth lack empirical support.
Dogma: These beliefs persist due to tradition and fear of the unknown.
Why Dogma Persists
Despite scientific advancements, dogma remains influential because:
Fear of the Unknown – People seek comfort in absolute answers.
Social Control – Privileged groups benefit from unquestioned traditions.
Lack of Education – Critical thinking is discouraged in dogmatic systems.
The Way Forward: Embracing Science and Reason
As Lord Buddha advised, true progress comes from questioning authority and accepting only what is rational and beneficial. Society must:
Promote scientific literacy
Encourage critical thinking
Reject harmful dogmas (casteism, fatalism, superstitions)
Conclusion
The conflict between science and dogma highlights humanity’s struggle between reason and tradition. While dogma offers rigid, unchanging answers, science provides a path to discovery and progress. By embracing evidence-based thinking, we can build a more rational and equitable world.
Want to explore more? Check out The Scientific Method or Critical Thinking Resources.
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