Assumption is Faith
June 21st, 2024
Science is the strongest belief system in the world. Every boy and girl who goes to school is indoctrinated in it. The average American student won't even think twice to question its foundational underpinnings because, "well, what is there to question?"
Imagine such a response from a Christian or a Muslim when asked about God. "What is there to question?" Would you be fearful?
As far as metaphysical reality goes, science makes bold assumptions on casuality and determinism. It also makes bold assumptions that there exists rules the universe must follow.
Assumptions of course---that may not be even true to begin with.
But saying these things in public discourse would get me crucified. Doubting the validity of science---how could I? Isn't it only obvious that it has "high predictive power"?
But the more I think of it, wasn't religion of the same fashion just a few centuries ago?
Abrahamic religions make bold metaphysical assumptions on the existence of higher powers (this is based on evidence, evidence we scoff at now, but was irrefutable in history. Maybe one day we'll laugh at "scientific evidence" just as we do now regarding "religious evidence.") In the past, many societies believed that religion had high prophecizing power as well, predicting miracles and coincidences that happen to people. Tribes would conduct rain dances for a reason: because it actually brought rain.
Additionally, questioning religion would get you crucified and mocked just a few centuries ago.
In that regard, western belief in science as the de facto means of truth is as radical as belief in religion. It's based on hardline metaphysical assumptions cut from the same cloth as God. It even reeks of the same societal pressures. The assumptions needed to believe in science are just as radical as the faith needed to believe in religion.
The foundations of any ideological belief system relies on fundamental metaphysical assumptions, or as I like to say: faith.
Atheism
In that regard, I don't see how atheism is any more "logical" or "rational" than Christianity. Assuming the metaphysical position that "there is no higher power" is as much of a leap of faith as believing there is.
The position of lack of belief, absence of belief, or non-belief, is of the same degree as belief itself. Saying "I don't believe" is just as strong of a proposition as "I do believe."
Why break the spell?
Modern society believes in science as its core ideology, and it's breaking down because of it.
People are opting out of society. Younger people are becoming more and more lonely and friendless. People are not having children.
There's less civic engagement. There's less cohesiveness. Overall happiness, contentment, and life satisfaction is alarmingly decreasing at a fast rate among youth.
The issue is making belief systems compatible with one another.