“The scientific method," Thomas Henry Huxley once wrote, "is nothing but the normal working of the human mind." That is to say, when the mind is working; that is to say further, when it is engaged in corrrecting its mistakes.Taking this point of view, we may conclude that science is not physics, biology, or chemistry--is not even a "subject"--but a moral imperative drawn from a larger narrative whose purpose is to give perspective, balance, and humility to learning.”
In this quote by Neil Postman, the author reflects on the nature of the scientific method and its significance in the human intellectual process. Postman suggests that the scientific method is a reflection of the normal working of the human mind, emphasizing the importance of correcting mistakes in the pursuit of knowledge. By viewing science as a moral imperative rather than just a set of subjects like physics or biology, Postman argues that it offers a larger narrative that provides perspective, balance, and humility to the process of learning. This quote highlights the interdisciplinary and ethical aspects of science, emphasizing the importance of continual self-correction and learning.
In his writing, Neil Postman highlights the importance of the scientific method as a fundamental aspect of the human mind's natural functioning. The application of this method goes beyond specific scientific disciplines, serving as a moral imperative for how we approach learning and knowledge.
Neil Postman reflects on the essence of the scientific method as not just a set of rules or procedures, but as a fundamental way of thinking that guides our understanding of the world. He emphasizes the importance of humility and self-correction in the pursuit of knowledge. According to Postman, science is not limited to specific subjects like physics or biology, but is a universal moral imperative that shapes our approach to learning.
After reading Neil Postman's quote about the scientific method being a moral imperative and a larger narrative for learning, you may find yourself questioning the purpose and implications of science in our lives. Here are some reflection questions to ponder:
“We must not forget that when radium was discovered no one knew that it would prove useful in hospitals. The work was one of pure science. And this is a proof that scientific work must not be considered from the point of view of the direct usefulness of it. It must be done for itself, for the beauty of science, and then there is always the chance that a scientific discovery may become like the radium a benefit for mankind. ”
“If it dies, it's biology; if it blows up, it's chemistry; if it doesn't work, it's physics!" As quoted from grafitti on a bathroom wall.”
“If it squirms, it's biology. If it stinks, it's chemistry. If it doesn't work, it's physics. And if you can't understand it, it's mathamatics.”
“Something interesting happens when we approach situations from a perspective of humility—it opens us up to possibilities as we choose open-mindedness and curiosity over protecting our point of view. We spend more time in that wonderful space of the 'beginner's mind,' willing to learn from what others have to offer. This translates into moving away from pushing to allowing, from insecure to secure, from seeking approval to seeking enlightenment.”
“Scientists are a friendly, atheistic, hard-working, beer-drinking lot whose minds are preoccupied with sex, chess and baseball when they are not preoccupied with science.”