Deification of Science and Its Disastrous Consequences

Abstract

Our goal is to show that production of knowledge requires different approaches in different areas. In particular, radically different methodologies are suitable for mathematics, science, and humanities. Mathematics requires an axiomatic and deductive approach, while science requires an inductive and empirical approach. Historical events in Europe led to a conflict between science and religion, and a consequent attempt to use science to replace religion. The attempt to prove that science leads to certainty led to the mistaken understanding that scientific methodology is mathematical. The assumption that science is the only valid body of knowledge led to the mistaken attempt to apply this wrong understanding of scientific methodology to the social sciences. These two mistakes have crippled the development of our understanding of human beings and societies. The failure to understand the basic realities of human experience has led to many disasters, and needs to be rectified by correcting this double mistake.

Keywords: Methodology, Hypothetico-Deductive, Axiomatic, Induction, Normative Positive Distinction

JEL Classification: B4