The believing to never die - and how it may influence science

[Omega0]

Hi,

I think that history shows a constant:

- nobody wants to die
- this introduces several versions of fiction (like religion)
- science is influenced by this fiction

Probably you can imagine several examples where the idea of immortality influenced or influences science? What do you think?

Just one example: Believing to get trough a Black Hole and appear in another universe in a "White Hole" or similar trash.

Please let me know!

Thanks

 

[russ_watters]

I think that history shows a constant:

- nobody wants to die
- this introduces several versions of fiction (like religion)
- science is influenced by this fiction

I don't need history to know nobody wants to die, but history tells me science and religion tend to be at odds.

 

[phinds]

nobody wants to die

If that's the case, why is there such a thing as suicide and assisted suicide?

 

[Omega0]

I don't need history to know nobody wants to die, but history tells me science and religion tend to be at odds.

My point is more that science just carefully goes over to break some rules, if at all. It is mostly not to be at odds.

As an examply, you might have stared to the stars as a child, "ohh, is this infinite? Is there a dublicate of mine?". Nowadays it is partly popular to believe in multi universes and so on. For this "Many World" idea I have a pretty simple explanation: Even if someone goes, somewhere else the person will still exist. Nobody goes. "My sister is waiting there for me" or whatever.

I believe that there is sort of believing behind physics - even today.

In the scientifically worst case we will go into a wrong direction because we believe that we have to believe in the right way, and we stumble around in fog.

 

[Omega0]

If that's the case, why is there such a thing as suicide and assisted suicide?

Oh, that is pretty simple. Unfortunately I know such cases. If the pain is that big that you don't care if there is something later, a life or whatever after your death, you just want get away then you will do that.

I would recommend to speak about things where you have some experience with.

 

[Frabjous]

Your examples seem to be popular misperceptions of science rather than science Itself.

 

[Omega0]

Your examples seem to be popular misperceptions of science rather than science Itself

Depends on the definition. "Science itself" (and I am not a Philosopher) is independent from any religion. As soon as you believe that things can't die or disappear or change you may have a problem - as a scientist.

Again, as an example: I believe that you can send a spaceship into a black hole and what you will get is not a smiling crew in another universe but ... nothing.

This is just an example but I would find it sort of boring to list way more for myself. If you don't find some, okay, I may list some more.

I just wanted to get your (the forums) impression how much you believe that only science rules science. I am absolutely convinced that this is not the case.

 

[Evo]

This thread is done.