I had my first "wait, what?" moment of the day when I read this. I'm genuinely baffled to hear you say this. It's an odd thing for a scientist to say, in my opinion (meaning no offense, of course), and seems a bit defeatist. I guess I'd like you to expand, if you have time.That may be true, but what outlook is not? If you are looking for a rational basis for any perspective, you won't find a single one that survives a deconstructive analysis.
That's funny to hear. But, I do mean it. That's not to say that the scientific method isn't a rational approach to gathering knowledge about the universe; but what we draw from the knowledge isn't always rational. Also, I would say that science does not reveal a privileged philosophy for living. To the extent that the approach isn't flawed, scientific investigation can provide reliable knowledge. However, although scientific knowledge might be universal, it does not result in a universal perspective, or instruction. Scientific knowledge is not modern, nor is its use limited to scientists. Of course, scientists are in the business of gathering more of it, but that business doesn't make a rational actor any more than a life in the theater might. I would say that the scientific method can be an antidote to ignorance about the nature of the universe, and some irrationality stems from that type of ignorance. However, not all ignorance stems from imperfect knowledge of the universe, and as such, science is not a cure for irrationality.
Science fosters a belief in looking at the world empirically, though. It encourages you to examine your life, your actions, those of others and see what's actually happening, whatever that may be. Therein the primary tenet of rationalism, in my opinion. Honesty. Discerning reality and accepting it. By no means a perfect process, obviously. This may be true, but -- where else does ignorance stem from? It seems to me that it stems from believing yourself rather than the truth. Mistaking your map for the territory (I do love that phrase).However, not all ignorance stems from imperfect knowledge of the universe, and as such, science is not a cure for irrationality.
I think it's true of most intellectually curious people, and of course, most scientists are intellectually curious. However, in my experience, I haven't seen scientists as having a unique advantage. I agree that is where much of it does come from. Even when there isn't truth to be found. Especially when there isn't truth to be found.Science fosters a belief in looking at the world empirically, though. It encourages you to examine your life, your actions, those of others and see what's actually happening, whatever that may be.
This may be true, but -- where else does ignorance stem from? It seems to me that it stems from believing yourself rather than the truth. Mistaking your map for the territory (I do love that phrase).