Essay on Distinction Between Science and Scientism

Science is also referred to as knowledge. Therefore, all the subdivisions of knowledge are scientific. For instance, Philosophy, history and theology among other branches are science. Primarily, the modern world limits the use of science to the knowledge of the physical universe, as witnessed objectively and empirically. According to Aristotle, that form of science is physics. Unlike science, Scientism is a rigid philosophy with the belief that science can give answers to all questions of the world ("Science & Religion VS Scientism by Fr. Robert Barron"). Believers in scientism disagree with the claims of the validity of metaphysics and assert that it lacks bearing on reality. Therefore, Scientism is not related science in many ways.

First, Science can be a blessing while scientism a curse. In many cases, Science is often extremely conscious of its restrictions, thereby humbly admitting to the temporary atmosphere of the results. However, scientism is inflexible and is known to peddle inevitabilities. Scientism in many cases often presents possible solutions to every single problem. It is because of the belief that the answer to every question must be scientific and in the process project scientific answers to non-scientific questions. Therefore, because of scientism, science changes into a betrayal idea that is neither experimental nor empirical in spirit.

Relationship between science and religion

Both Science and religion are ways in which human beings deal with the unknown. Therefore, they share common aspects because they are both critical to the world. We can consider Science as an arduous and experiential method of using mans knowledge to predict future results. The presence of scientific laws makes it possible for a man to connect events and be able to draw a specific conclusion by trying them together. For instance, man can make predictions from Newtons law of gravitation because of its assertion that different objects attract each other with a force that is relative to their masses. According to Newtons, the same energy is inversely comparative to the distance between them.

Unlike science, however, Religion is a faith-based system of dealing with many world questions. Essentially, Science may not provide man with a direction on his goals. However, it plays a significant role in helping people reach their goal. In any case, the business of religion has no relation to institutions. Apparently, religion is a more official and to some extent and ritualized method of philosophy (Fisher, 459). Overall, religion is significant as it gives guidance and direction. Science relates to religion because both of them are methods of finding solutions to the unknown: science predicts what will come next while religion helps in finding what to is possible. In essence, faith helps us reach our goals while science helps us set them.

Models dealing with the relationship between science and religion

Conflict Model

The model compares science to religion and asserts that one of them is right while the other is unavoidably false. The model employs majorly in the aspect evolution and creation. Creationists have the belief that the science is not valid because it fails to concur with the biblical teachings. Similarly, evolutionists believe in a false creation and real science of evolution.

Independence model

According to the independence model, both science and religion may be real if kept to their distinct spheres. The model asserts that both science and religion can be right concurrently if they respect each other boundaries. The independence model outlines that the two are related and independent in that Science describes how and religion why. The model works from the point of view that no one has the truth and the power over the other. Therefore, evolution and creation theories are independent theories that describe the existence of man.

Dialogue model

The model considers both religion and science as conversation partners in the evolution and creation where they both claim knowledge. The dialogue model is not standard in the media compared to the other models. However, most academics are interested in finding common ground between the two theories of human existence. Although the model sounds excellent, it is relatively difficult to practice it because of the high level of mutual respect it requires from both camps. The model needs a high level of understanding between the creationists and the evolutionists to be able to reach an agreement in talks and get to a common ground.

Integration model

Integration as a model expands the concept of dialogue and conversation. It asserts that the truth of science and religion ought to be combined to form a complete theory of human existence. Just like the dialogue model, many science and religion academics envy the integration model despite the difficulty in its implementation.

Conclusion

Science just like religion tries to explain the existence of human being and the occurrence of certain phenomena. Therefore, the models try to find common ground and combined information from both the theories. In the process, it would be possible to have a hybrid approach. All the models have a single objective, that of creating mutual respects between evolutionists and creationists.

Works cited

"Science & Religion VS Scientism by Fr. Robert Barron." Youtube, 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF8mgwgIKGE&feature=youtu.be.

Fisher, Mary P. Living Religions. 10th ed., Pearson Education, 2017.