Ignorance Feeds on Ignorance: Why Not Try to Think Like a Scientist For a Change?
The dumbing down…is most evident in the slow decay of substantive content in the media, the 10 second sound bites, lowest common denominator programming, credulous presentations on pseudoscience and superstition, but especially a kind of celebration of ignorance.
C. Sagan
The Mind by Kazumasa Nagai, 1965
As a scientist, I have come to appreciate the art of asking questions as one of the most crucial skills to cultivate and continually refine. During my time in graduate school, I cherished the vibrant classroom discussions with fellow students who meticulously scrutinized and questioned scientific papers. These stimulating conversations were filled with lively debates, skepticism, and a barrage of inquiries directed at our professors, who in turn responded with thought-provoking questions of their own.
I found tremendous joy in remaining curious and fearlessly posing questions, even those that may have seemed "dumb" or basic. It was through asking these seemingly simple questions that I discovered how societal conditioning had inadvertently hindered my intellectual growth over the years. It was through asking that I generated new ideas that I felt proud of. It was through asking that I unearthed the deep-seated fears society had instilled in me, and it was through asking that I reignited my passion for science and life itself.
The art of skepticism, intertwined with questioning, is an indispensable tool we must reclaim and regularly practice, particularly in an era inundated with unfiltered data from the media and the internet. Skepticism plays a pivotal role in the survival of our species, enabling us to scrutinize propositions and challenge preconceived notions. Engaging in a healthy practice of skepticism is akin to engaging in the scientific process itself.
Regrettably, in everyday conversations, asking questions is often met with atypical resistance and avoidance, especially in certain cultural contexts such as the Philippines. How many times, as children, were our inquiries about religion, God, morality, sex, the moon, the solar system, the ocean, politics, and countless other topics dismissed or evaded by our parents, siblings, friends, and even teachers? How often were we met with responses like,“’Wag mo munang itanong ‘yan ‘nak, masyado ka pang bata” or “Hay, basta. Kailangan natin mag simba” or “Hay basta. Kailangan mo kong sundin kasi magulang mo ko” or “Ano ba ‘yan. Ang dami mong tanong” or “Edi ikaw na ang madaming tanong. Edi ikaw na ang matalino…” How many times have these people unknowingly stifled your interest in learning? How many times have these people unconsciously dumbed you down?
Growth by Kazumasa Nagai, 1966
This prevailing aversion to skepticism mirrors the disheartening statistics that highlight the inadequate value placed on science and research in our country. According to the National Academy of Science and Technology, the Philippines has one of the lowest numbers of researchers globally, with only 188 scientists per million people, well below the ideal density of 380 scientists per million people. The scarcity of resources allocated to science and research further emphasizes how our intellectual currency continues to be undermined. It appears that consumerism and short-term gains dominate the mindset of individuals, perpetuating a cycle of intellectual neglect. As the population of scientifically illiterate individuals continues to grow, we allow a culture of mental subservience to reign in our society.
I share the frustrations and discontentment felt by my colleagues who persevere in pursuing their scientific passions despite the meager wages and the lack of accessible and well-equipped research facilities throughout the country. My fervent wish is that these scientists, as well as those who do not directly engage in scientific pursuits, recognize the importance of embracing skepticism and applying the scientific method in their daily lives.
Relearning the art of asking questions requires time and patience, especially when many mistake ignorance for bliss. Perhaps we can liken this process to the opening of the "science" or "curiosity" chakra within ourselves. Often, these parts of our minds have been suppressed, as some may perceive the practice of disciplined inquiry as rigid and monotonous. However, let us consider that our experiences may have been influenced by discouraging teachers who taught us science in a dry and textbook-oriented manner. Science should not be boring; it is just as essential as learning about the arts and philosophy. While science draws its inspiration from the natural world, it is the branch of knowledge that grounds us in reality while allowing us to unravel and make sense of profound ideas from the physical realm.
Further readings:
Einstein, A. (2011). The world as I see it. Open Road Media.
de Saint-Exupéry, A. (2018). The Little Prince: A new translation by Michael Morpurgo. Random House.
Huxley, A. (1998). Brave New World. 1932. London: Vintage.
Sagan, C. (2011). The demon-haunted world: Science as a candle in the
dark. Ballantine Books.
Sanders, EF. (2019). Eating the Sun. Penguin Books.
Silver, A. (2018). Philippines sweetens deal for scientists who return home. Nature, 559(7715), 453-454.