Technology and Society Term Paper

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Science and religion have historically possessed a tumultuous relationship based upon the fact that the latter claims to hold the ultimate answers to the most fundamental questions of existence, while the former claims to hold the means to discovering many of these answers. Consequently, for much of human history they have been viewed as being analogous avenues to gaining knowledge of the world, merely attacked from different directions; science must eventually prove with reason what is already accepted upon faith. However, a number of scientific observations and interpretations have come into direct conflict with established doctrines of the western, Christian Church. These scientific theories have caused many to question the validity of their faith, and many others to question the validity of science. Usually, the conflicts originate from formalized interpretations of Christianity rather than upon the fundamental basis of faith. In other words, science can neither prove nor disprove the existence of a divine being, but it can establish dates and sequences of history that contrast accepted notions. For this reason, science has sometimes been viewed as the ally of religion and at other times its direct enemy.

In classical times the pursuit of science and philosophy was seen as the ideal means to acquiring knowledge about the world and human existence. Aristotle, Socrates and Plato did not see science through the lens of one seeking to verify their faith, but instead, viewed science and logic as avenues by which some valuable information could be derived. Specific methods were devised as tools to investigate the legitimacy of claims regarding the natural world: "Aristotle produced as system of thought that would guide men from the limited observations of personal experience to more general truths about nature." (Burke, 16). Essentially, the ancient Greeks developed the first form of what has come to be known as the "scientific method." At this time, and particularly to these early philosophers, science and reasoning were perceived as essential services to civilization, mankind, and the human soul. Plato believed that the only true means to realizing happiness and righteousness within one's spirit was through logical investigation into the world and its existence.

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It was far removed from these philosophers' minds that science could ever be deemed as something incongruous with divinity. After all, the Greek philosophers lived in a pagan society, in which some gods were believed in and worshiped and some were not; it was all dependent upon an individual's preferences. Religion had yet to occupy its authoritative position in western society, and accordingly, it had yet to adopt iron clad rules and edicts defining the nature of the world.

Following Constantine's conversion to Christianity and the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire, clerics, thinkers, and philosophers sought to arrive at some official agreements regarding specific aspects of faith. Mainly, the variety of faiths that exist today came about through varying interpretations of the Holy Scriptures. The first writings that were later put into the bible were written by the disciples of Jesus. These writings lay the framework for the Christian faith but have not gone unchallenged. The role of Mary, the divinity vs. The humanity of Christ, and the path to heaven are just of few of the issues where biblical scholars have had disagreements. In fact, on numerous occasions the pope has called upon learned clergymen to convene and directly decide which interpretation of the scriptures should be accepted in the Roman Catholic faith. Most of these matters were of the philosophical nature, so logic and deduction have commonly been used to decide issues in Christianity. This set the stage for the conflict between science and religion: deductive reasoning was seen as the path by which knowledge pertaining to both could be obtained, but they were two very different entities.

The trial of Galileo is often portrayed as the ultimate battle between Christianity and science, but its significance is far more subtle. Galileo had uncovered valid and relatively conclusive evidence that the earth revolved around the sun. Yet, this discovery was in direct contradiction of preexisting clerical interpretations of the scriptures. Even though Galileo was eventually arrested by the Spanish Inquisition for his Dialogue and found guilty of "vehement suspicion of heresy,"….....

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