Can a scientist compartmentalize inquisitiveness and rational thinking?
jayanta chatterjee
Monday, 27 July 2009 16:18 UTC
The basic qualities of a scientist are rational thinking and inquisitiveness. A good science mind can never restrict his/her abilities limited only to her area of work but will apply to each and every aspect of life, as I think. Sometimes it may create problems for the person to live a “normal” life, mainly in a conservative society in countries like India. It can also become a bit painful experience when s/he start applying these qualities to ask questions and re-visit traditions, religion and religious beliefs that we imbibe since our childhood; from our parents, relatives and society. I know it is always a tricky issue to mix science with religion and tradition. I also should make it clear that my intension is not to hurt any religious sentiment here.
Let me give an example: In India majority are Hindus and so are majority of Indian “scientists”. Many of us believe that beef eating is not allowed in Hinduism, which is clearly not true, as per historians and social scientists. Many of Hindu “scientists” religiously follow that so-called religious custom and never eat beef for “religious” reason. There are many such rituals that we follow in the name of tradition and religion. This attitude gave rise to a very conservative and close society even among so-called educated people, as I think. It has a bigger impact on society when an established “scientist” follows such rituals. It strengthens many superstitions in the name of religion/tradition among common Indian people, who are not that much literate or well informed. I think I should make it clear that respect to one’s heritage and acknowledgement of one’s past is a different issue as compared to accepting and encouraging distorted version of religion and negative aspects of tradition.
We need to keep in mind that single most important reason of killing people is religion since pre-historic time and India has more than fair share in that number. Mass murder, brutal torture of weaker sections of our society (e.g aganist women) in the name of religion/tratidion is still a burning issue in Indian society which mainly originates from ill-informed notion about “religion” and lack of transparent, rational thinking.
My questions are:
1. Does a true scientist (or any truly educated person) have the social responsibility to behave a bit more responsibly with more open, logical attitude outside of his/her area of work?
2. If the answer to my previous question is “Yes”, then, can we afford to continue compartmentalizing inquisitiveness and rational thinking?
3. Lastly, is it at all possible to become rational in some issues but not in many others?
Updated 28 July 2009 14:44 UTC
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The essence of all religion is TO LIVE AND LET LIVE. All teachings/preachings are centered around this concept. As long as one has not done anything wrong, be it telling lies, stealing or harming anyone intentionally for his/her own selfishness, he/she need not be afraid of ANYONE, not EVEN GOD.( Just as Jayanta, challenged Goddess Saraswati).
This is what I myself believe too and follow it to the word. Because of this, I had to face lot of difficulties in life and have been branded arrogant, proud etc etc over and over again. I really don’t care what people think about me, I am what I am. If they think i am good, its their opinion, if they think I am bad and arrogant, its their opinion too. All I care about is not try to do anything wrong and be honest to myself and not worry about people’s opinion but about my own character.
Its but human nature to be in conflict when interests intersect. I think if everyone takes care of his/her own duty and do it honestly, the whole world will become honest, truthful and beautiful without the need for any religion or sect. Ups and downs in life are bound to come but that should not deter us (any human being) from delivering our duty honestly. There will always be some people who might try to play foul and malign your honesty to gain nanoseconds of praise/fame and have their interests met. But in the long run, eventually when the truth comes to the forefront its the honest people who are followed as ideal. They are the ones who eventually inspire generations. -
Anonymous
Wow. Very nice, highly relevant and timely thread. I am new to the forum. I find this thread of being in Science and being “human” highly relevant in this modern day, technology-based, peer pressure, and stressful life. It sheds new light on the balance between work and family life. Thanks to Jayanta, Dinesh, Dr. Gajendra and others for initiating this lively discussion. I strongly believe that the rational thinking starts with us as a Scientist. It has become rare to see “True Mentors” these days. Many Scientists do not even know the definition of mentor is. I think the core value of humans being “humane” is gradually vanishing these days and everything is “business”. You give this, I will give you this and you produce data, I will give you this, you bring this much money, I will make you this and so on. It is frightening to even think about what the next generation is going to face in future.
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In my previous post in this thread I quoted wrong blog article for “religion”. The correct one is here- God created man or man created God?.
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Anonymous
There are some people in India who are trying their best to create awareness among common people to eradicate religious and cultural superstitions. Just today I read this encouraging news of loud fire cracker-free Diwali celerbation, where huge number of student vowed not to burst fire crackers.
Seemingly uncontrollable loud firecrackers are real nuisance and an ugly expression of our feudal society that is used extensively in almost all over India, particularly during festive time.
These young students may not have heavy-weight degrees or called themselves “scientist” but they behave more rational and humane way than many of those “scientists” in India. -
Anonymous
There are some so-called highly educated people abused, physically tortured, police when police wanted to prevent them from breaking laws and using loud fire-crackers in Kolkata during recent festival of Diwali. Sorry, the news published in a reputed but local newspaper, Anandabazar Patrika.
Such anti-social elements were from many different professions like medical practice (doctors), engineers, IT, socialites (NGO heads), businessmen etc. The worst affected area was the Salt-Lake part of Kolkata where rich and influential people live.
The encouraging part is- state police has started showing some activity to prevent educated idiots, rich and powerful people from breaking laws.
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