Superstition vs. Science

Superstition Vs Science?

Do u think that there is any scientific reason behind superstitous belief. If yes then support them with examples.

Can you give me an example of a real life time when a superstition effected you?

Have to write an essay on science vs. superstitions. I need a primary source, and my teacher said this would count.

Is there a conflict between religion and science?

Many of history’s greatest scientists were religious (and many were non-religious). Many religions employ social scientists, and many religions run universities full of physical and social scientists. There are also scientific religions, like the Church of Freethought.

Is there really a conflict between religion and science?

Or are they really two separate conflicts:
Religion vs. Atheism
Science vs. Superstition

And yes, even before posting this question, I can already hear people saying “religion is superstition!”

But the problem is not that people are religious or superstitious, it’s that they’re trying to force their beliefs on others.
The Wag: While the physical sciences don’t comment on the supernatural, the social sciences won’t stop talking about them. Here are some examples:

Karl Marx: Religion is the opiate of the oppressed masses.

Durkheim: Religion tricks people into obeying society’s rules.

Sigmund Freud: Religious people are crazy.
Grazie: Science deals in fact and reason? I’d say science deals in theory and conjecture at least as much.

If the past is precedent, every current theory in science will be disproven 100 years from now.

I’m not saying science isn’t useful, I’m just saying it should be honest about its uncertainty, as I’m sure you would like religion to be honest about theirs.
James O: You make a good point. There are atheistic fundamentalisms just as there are religious ones.

Atheists have a long track record of taking the most powerful observable object and giving it credit for creating everything. Today they give that honor to the four fundamental laws of physics. In the past they gave that honor to the nile, the sun, the nearest volcano, etc.
problem: I liked a lot of the answers, but I liked yours the best because it was optimistic about moving forward in a multi-cultural setting.

We’ll never agree on religion, but maybe someday the religious people will stop thinkng that science is harmful to their faith, and atheists will stop thinking that religious people are incapable of doing objective science.

Science vs Religion. Read please.?

I have selected four core questions which are important to humans, yet remain unanswered (and unanswerable). For the sake of being brief, I have made some great generalisations and what I refer to as “science” here, I should probably refer to as “logic”, but that would sound offensive.

HOW DID WE (HUMANS) GET HERE?

Science: We evolved over millions of years. Because of natural selection, we (and other animals) suit our surroundings almost perfectly. This theory has been formulated from observation of skeletal structure etc. Using Occam’s razor (The most logical explanation is almost always the correct one), this is most likely correct.

Christianity: “God” made us from nothing, through magic. This was written in a book by people who, by today’s standards, were extremely uneducated. Because of enculturation, this is believed by a great many people.

WHERE DID THE EARTH COME FROM?

Science: The Big Bang Theory. All matter in the universe was contained in a singularity. This exploded outwards, and is still expanding. As the gas from the explosion cooled, the particles began to come together, forming stars and eventually planets. This theory has been formulated because of evidence, such as the fact that all matter in the universe is moving apart at a very fast rate, and cosmic microwave radiation. It is not proven, but is currently the most logical explanation to date.

Christianity: “God” made the universe out of nothing. It only took him seven days. Again, this theory is only respected because of the number of people who believe in it.

WHAT HAPPENS TO US AFTER WE DIE?

Science: This is still disputed, however the most logical explanation is that, assuming that consciousness is something generated by signals in the brain, the brain shuts down, therefore we no longer have any consciousness. This means we can no longer think, and it is generally accepted that when a person has no consciousness, they cease to exist.

Christianity: Our consciousness somehow survives, even though there is no physical energy source. This consciousness (or “soul”) goes to a magic place, which doesn’t physically exist, where it lives on forever. This could only rationally be explained by a dying hallucination, which seems to last forever, however, if this was true, then it would not actually exist, and would therefore be false. Again, this theory is a lot more comforting, and is often the only reason people become Christians, as a form of “insurance”.

HOW SHOULD WE LIVE?

Science: This is a personal decision, and factors should be taken in, such as how your life will affect others. It is generally accepted that, for an ideal society, people should do what is best for the genral wellbeing of the human race. This means taking into consideration others’ wellbeing as well as their own. This idea of ethics should be constantly being re-evaluated as times change.

Christianity: This depends on how much people decide to adhere to the bible’s teachings. If all teachings of the bible are taken as fact, then people should be executed for cursing the name of god, and no one should be allowed to do any work on Sunday. Homosexual people and women should be discriminated against. If the entire bible is not taken into consideration, then people should respect others, not be adulterous etc. Core values such as these have been recognised for millennia, long before the bible was written, and are present in most other religious texts.

In conclusion, Christian belief was formulated by people who thought in a completely different context to the people of today. These people knew practically nothing compared to what we know today about nature. What is now regarded as “superstition” in ancient times (such as the belief that a dung beetle was rolling the sun across the sky and the belief in ghosts) is in fact no different to the Christian belief, and were it not for the emperor Constantine, it would not have to following it does today.
Scientific theory, while not proven, is the most LOGICAL explanation available. It is not an attempt to disprove religion, but rather explain the world without the restraints of ancient and outdated hypotheses.

The point I am trying to get across is that religion is unnecessary. You don’t need it to live a fulfilled and worthwhile life, in fact, without religion, there is so much more freedom to express yourself, and contribute to society. I don’t see religion as a threat, and I am not trying (nor is there any need) to disprove it. It is simply an idea which would have seemed quite logical at the time it was created. I also don’t put ALL my faith in science. Most of it is probably wrong, but it is the best explanation we have.
All these religious people have missed the point. This is not an attempt to put forward by theory of evolution, and disprove your theory of religion, but the COMPARE them and show which one is more logical.
Also, I stands by what I said about Occam’s razor. Creationism may be more simple (convenient, isn’t it?), but that doesn’t make it more LOGICAL.

My entire premise here relies on logic. I am not saying that evolution is perfetc fact, but it is by far the msot logical.

“KiraJenLove”, evolution is a process that takes millions of years. Because of enculturation, the only explanation you will accept is some simple, story book explanation that says that everything was done in a few days. This is simply narrow mindedness.
I challenge anyone to provide a more RATIONAL explanation.

Also, please stop referencing the bible. It is just a book, and it is outdated.

Should all sides to an issue be presented equally in a public school (evolution vs. creation)?

One of the leading arguments creationists stick to is to “teach the controversy,” meaning explain both leading ideas concerning the beginning of life.

While this seems like a just statement on the outside, it is no different from presenting both astronomy and astrology in physics class. There are a ton of people who believe in astrology, but this does not give astrology credibility. Also, if a group poked a few holes in some astronomy theories, this would not support astrology. Just like the evolutionary theory and creationism, astrology and astronomy are not completely contradictory. The basis in belief for both, however, are polar opposites – science and superstition. So should we present our kids with both science and magic, implying that they are equally valid and credible theories?
Disregarding the separation of church and state, which is another huge setback for creationism.

Which has been more valuable to the advancement of the human race, science or religion?

Hmm, let’s see penicillin, internal combustion engine, harnessing the power of electricity, synthetic materials, genetics, biology, physics, astronomy, mathematics, archaeology, computers, flight, mass production, etc., etc., etc.

Vs.

Superstition, intolerance, a rejection of rational thought and of course profiteering, slavery and war.

(And I know someone is going to say ‘Atom Bomb’. Well, considering that the bomb (and all other war machines) was the brainchild of politicians, I think the blame lies with others. (I’m looking at you Truman.)
Sabrina – Yes, you are right. I can’t believe I forgot that. Good one.

why is it that people vehemently refuse to accept evolution as fact…?

but when they hear an H1N1 virus has mutated they ask what science can do to fix things?

i know scientists don’t involve themselves in these kinds of debates anymore, partly due because it’s most likely fueled by pseudoscience and superstitions on both sides. Also evolution vs creationism debate has become so cliche…

but why is it when the news report H1N1 has mutated and created a new strain, we don’t hear people protesting and brandishing card boards that proclaim tax dollars are being used to finance fraudulent research?

Do “Liberals” Really Care At ALL About Being Liberal Or is The Title ALL THAT MATTERS?

“Liberals” seem to have increasing disdain for individuality and freewill.. Fascism doesn’t bother them in the slightest… is being labled liberal more important than actually being liberal?

(and no this isnt a conservative vs. liberal issue. For it to be you would first have to create a distinction.. both use fake science, twist statistics, and rely almost entirely on superstitions to justify their fascism) actually im 28 ive been able to drink for awhile now

Deja-vu times two continued. Deja-vu exposes 2 dimensional thinking.?

The circumstances of my double deja-vu was clearly described. Spirit vs. material universe. Oh how important it is for us all to establish our teams domination. It’s a coincidence. It’s spiritual. It’s sychic. The more advanced science becomes the more we see. Is that progress ever going to end. Of course not. Our reality will always be smaller, bigger, further and more subtle. I saw a photo of a molecule last year for the first time. I really do understand the delima though. Religion and superstition ruled the world and science was crushed. I love both science and spirit and have experienced both. Go team.