Scientific Temper

Over the years history has shown that resolving society's problems through a scientific approach is the best way to handle those problems. A lot of mistakes and logical fallacies can be avoided from being repeated by thinking scientifically. However this approach has one fundamental problem, i.e. the people should be well educated about the scientific method and its significance in daily life. Science need not be restricted to school curriculum. It needs to be talked about outside schools, academic institutions and should be made a part of public conversation.

So what does it mean when we say "be scientific"? The following quote by Hasan Ibn al-Haytham who was an arab muslim scientist, mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher describes the scientific method perfectly:

"The duty of the man who investigates the writings of scientists, if learning the truth is his goal, is to make himself an enemy of all that he reads, and ... attack it from every side. He should also suspect himself as he performs his critical examination of it, so that he may avoid falling into either prejudice or leniency."

The scientific method calls for inquisition. Humans are emotional and passionate creatures and often make the wrong decision when comes to matters of importance. The scientific method helps us make better decisions and provides a rational outlook towards problems that we are facing.

The best time to educate students in scientific approach and critical thinking is by making sure that the curriculum is created keeping this vision in mind. Children are naturally curious, asking questions, and wondering how things work is a natural question that comes to everyone. This approach towards life should be nurtured, nourished and encouraged throughout the education system. The importance of inculcating a scientific temper early on among students cannot be emphasised enough. Rote learning needs to be replaced with a curriculum which focuses on developing reasoning abilities and critical thinking. However this line of reasoning is often threatening to dogma. This spirit of inquisition is often responsible for fighting superstition, false beliefs and challenging orthodoxy.

With a population of over 1.25 billion, India has a huge stockpile of manpower at its disposal. However this does not mean that directing this young workforce towards positive goals is easy. Easy availability of the internet is another powerful tool that brings people together and facilitates communication. However there is also the danger of spreading misinformation through misuse of technology and consequently the same workforce can be a big source of trouble.

India has approximately 47% population under 21 [Census 2001]. This alone shows the importance of imparting scientific education to the young population. Armed with critical thinking and 'question everything' attitude is the only way for progress. Addressing the problems of this fast growing population is a big concern and this issue is going to get big with time. Providing/creating enough jobs, healthcare, social support, housing, etc. are going to be big issues that need immediate addressing. And a scientific approach is a structured and organised way to address those problems. The benefits of having a science literate populace are plenty. The main advantage being able to make major life decisions particularly related to lifestyle, finance or politics. A scientific person questions the status quo. And often this leads to innovation both in technology as well as social sphere. Saying that scientific temper could serve as an engine for social growth as well as economic growth is not false.

There is no dearth of people who will say that science is important. Science should be given importance. Scientific discourse is necessary for the progress of society. But we rarely educate or talk about what role a scientific temper plays in the growth of society. There isn't enough public discourse towards this issue which can be seen by the plight of public education system in the country. Until this issue is addressed urgently we will continue to see a decline in rational discussions, an intellectual community and improvement of quality of life.

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