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Phrak
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Is science a superstition?
su⋅per⋅sti⋅tion [soo-per-stish-uhn] Show IPA
–noun
1. a belief or notion, not based on reason or knowledge, in or of the ominous significance of a particular thing, circumstance, occurrence, proceeding, or the like.
2. a system or collection of such beliefs.
3. a custom or act based on such a belief.
4. irrational fear of what is unknown or mysterious, esp. in connection with religion.
5. any blindly accepted belief or notion.
jarednjames said:No science couldn't, here is the definition of supersition:
1 a: a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation b: an irrational abject attitude of mind toward the supernatural, nature, or God resulting from superstition.
2: a notion maintained despite evidence to the contrary.
Would hope you would have looked up the definition before asking that question, made you look a bit of a plonker if I'm honest with you.
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx?refid=1861717099. irrational belief: an irrational, but usually deep-seated belief in the magical effects of a specific action or ritual, especially in the likelihood that good or bad luck will result from performing it
2. irrational beliefs: irrational and often quasi-religious belief in and reverence for the magical effects of some actions and rituals or the magical powers of some objects
arunma said:Uh...no. Why would science be a superstition? Superstitions are what arise when people misunderstand causality and make incorrect conclusions based on patterns that they observe. Science by definition seeks to determine causal relationships. Of course, scientists are people too, and many hold to superstitions in spite of their scientific understanding. I have a physicist friend who plays with crystals, ouija boards, and other such things. But ideally science can be used to demolish unsubstantiated superstitions.
I'll go ahead and politely disagree with the many people who are sure to casually equate all religious beliefs with "superstition." But that could spawn a whole other discussion...
jarednjames said:Who me? it was just a comment on how ridiculous some peoples beliefs can be, don't want a discussion on Ouija Boards, they don't do anything ghostly/supernatural. FULL STOP.
drizzle said:no Phrak's, sorry I sould've quoted it
jarednjames said:No science couldn't, here is the definition of supersition:
1 a: a belief or practice resulting from ignorance,fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation b: an irrational abject attitude of mind toward the supernatural, nature, or God resulting from superstition.
2: a notion maintained despite evidence to the contrary.
Would hope you would have looked up the definition before asking that question, made you look a bit of a plonker if I'm honest with you.
jarednjames said:a) aside from science, give me one other belief that has anywhere near as much evidence to back it up. (bearing in mind in b you specifically say gods and fantastic ideas are made up). We are not talking about different ways of thinking within science, just of science itself.
b) I simply said it was an interesting point I saw in an article and can't see why it was necessary for you to attack me on it.
c) did I say science was 100%? No. It's just that at this point in time it is the only way of thinking with any reasonable form of evidence for it. Again, you seem to be looking within science at different theories and such, not at science as a whole (compared to a religious conviction for example). If everything we did in science came out right first time it would be a pretty boring field to work in.
d) Scientists constantly work to provide the answers, it is this progress towards a reason that helps people believe them. My current PC background sums this up perfectly: The Scientific Method - Here are the facts, what conclusions can we draw from them. The Religious Method - Here are the conclusions, what facts can we find to support it. Religion simply says you will believe it, and when questioned the answer is always "because that's how god made it".
To call science superstitious is seriously deforming the definition let alone the common use of the word.
Ivan Seeking said:No
Do pigs fly?
that fits the definition of religion as well...jarednjames said:No science couldn't, here is the definition of supersition:
1 a: a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation b: an irrational abject attitude of mind toward the supernatural, nature, or God resulting from superstition.
2: a notion maintained despite evidence to the contrary.
Would hope you would have looked up the definition before asking that question, made you look a bit of a plonker if I'm honest with you.
jarednjames said:There's nothing to discuss. It has been proven idio-motor movements move the glass.
Derren Brown did a good show on it, he gave a Ouija Board and let some students loose on it. They got the glass to move to all the letters and find the spirits name. He then demonstrated that the spirit they found (he told them the story of a suicide group how died in the building) was a women still very much alive and sitting in the van outside. They moved the glass based on suggestions he gave them. Before you argue it, by saying something like "well in that situation yes but not in all", I urge you to realize people only find out what they want to find, stories about things going on in haunted places. People are extremely prone to suggestion and it only takes the slightest of hints at a ghost story to get a person to want to find something on a Ouija Board.
Like table tipping when it moves around the room, if you place a sheet of glass across the top of the table (not attached) the glass moves not the table, showing the people are moving it.
edit - it's called Derren Brown, Seance. I suggest everyone gives it a watch, I find all his work fascinating.
TheStatutoryApe said:You could say that there is such thing as "Scientific Superstition" which is generally labeled as "Junk Science". There are an incredibly large number of wackjobs out there proposing "scientific" ideas that the vast majority of people swallow hook line and sinker and tend to believe these things as absolute truth much like one would a religion. My very religious grandfather was just telling me the other day about his new book written by "an actual scientist" regarding the benefits of holistic medicine. I didn't read it myself so I have no idea how much of it was really junk but his insistence that the man was "an actual scientist" set off my crackpot alarm.
I saw an episode of his show where he supposedly knocked a guy out with a strobe light and hypnotized him then woke him up in an abandoned warehouse where actors dressed as zombies suddenly came out to attack him. I'm fairly certain it was a put on.
Oh and I have read or seen a documentary which claims that the mechanism behind the ouijia board is similar to that of dowsing. Slight unconscious movements of the hand. I think it was MIH that once posted an article that gave a scientific explanation for the slight hand movements.
Ian_Brooks said:that fits the definition of religion as well...
ooops can we say that?
Overcoming superstitious beliefs can be a difficult process, as they are often deeply ingrained in our minds. One approach is to educate yourself about the scientific explanations behind the things you believe to be superstitions. This can help to reduce fear and anxiety associated with the beliefs. Additionally, practicing critical thinking and questioning your own beliefs can also help to overcome superstitions.
Confronting others about their superstitions can be a sensitive topic, as many people hold these beliefs dear. It is important to approach the conversation with empathy and understanding, rather than judgment or criticism. You can try to gently introduce them to alternative perspectives and encourage them to question their beliefs, but ultimately it is up to each individual to decide whether or not to let go of their superstitions.
Superstitions can have a negative impact on mental health if they cause excessive fear, anxiety, or stress. Believing in superstitions can also lead to feelings of powerlessness and lack of control over one's life. It is important to address these beliefs and find healthier ways to cope with uncertainty and fear.
If you know someone who is heavily influenced by superstitions, it is important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Encourage them to express their feelings and fears, and try to offer alternative perspectives and explanations for their beliefs. It may also be helpful to suggest seeking professional help if their beliefs are negatively impacting their daily life.
While there is no scientific evidence to support the validity of superstitions, some people may find comfort or a sense of control in believing in them. However, it is important to recognize that relying on superstitions for a sense of security can also be harmful, as it may prevent individuals from developing healthy coping mechanisms and facing their fears in a more productive way.