Objectivism 101

Lesson 8: Consequences of Objectivism

Science and religion

Spirituality, notably in the form of religion, is a staple of human civilisation. In fact, one of the ways we use to determine the modernity of homo sapiens species is whenever they bury their dead. Divinity worship and rituals are, it seems, a genetic necessity. Even in today's modern societies, a large majority of people believe in gods and supernatural entities.

The distinction between philosophy and religion used to be less obvious. It seems that religion was also used as a primitive form of philosophy. It is true that both purport to explain the universe and natural phenomena, man's role in it, and how we should live. They also both address unsettling facts of life, such as suffering and death.

The difference between philosophy and religion is that religious principles are not based on reason. They are based on the methods of faith : emotion, authority, doctrine, revelation, popularity, and so on. These methods are invalid, because they are introspective. They cannot reveal anything about reality itself. Thus most religions give false comfort, incite people to believe lies, and their moral principles are irrational and not adapted to man's life.

The concept of "god" on which religion is based, a supernatural infinite Creator being, is metaphysically absurd. The notion of an infinite being is a direct contradiction of the axiom of identity. The "supernatural" is undefinable, which is also a contradiction of identity. The notion of a creator of the universe is absurd, since any creation necessitates the existence of time.

Many other arguments can be discussed, but the point is clear : the notion that gods could exist is absurd. Atheism - disbelief in gods - is the only rational alternative.

The falsify of religion and gods does not imply that our inherent desire for spirituality is bankrupt. However, they have been so inextricably linked by modern religion that the thought of a secular religion today is almost unthinkable. This is a sad state of affairs.

The conclusion is that while spirituality may be a valid pursuit for most people, current religions are not valid ways to find it. Christianity, Islam, and any other such religious systems, must be rejected in favour of rational spirituality, or nothing at all.

Science, broadly defined, is the study and explanation of natural phenomena. The method of scientific inquiry is based on reason - observation (sense perception), testing and confirmation (sense perception and logic). As such, any correct application of the scientific method is by necessity objective.

Science is the uncontested queen of all higher-level epistemic methods, and it has been part of the elevation of our level of life for centuries. It has brought us technology of the highest kind, higher productivity (and therefore prosperity), and a more enlightened view of our role in the universe. Scientists are not perfect - no one is. But despite human faults, science is the best method that we have to study and explain natural phenomena.

Objectivism, as a philosophical system, is greatly informed by science (particularily in epistemology, but in all branches). Likewise, science is informed by Objectivism (thru metaphysics and epistemology).

One may oppose science on ethical or political grounds. However, this is misguided because scientific discoveries are not inherently good or evil - they can be used in various ways. It is our role to use it morally and responsibly. Because of this, we should encourage science unreservedly, and stop putting barriers to scientific discovery and experimentation.

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