Certainly it's almost impossible to see any sorts of error that might arise in the future regarding scientific research. However, I think it's important that more people consider the fact that there MIGHT be an error--in some ways, we haven't changed much since the Enlightenment and live in almost a positivist culture that places science above all. Simply acknowledging error might not take science of the plane of absolute truth; however, it may allow for others to question the foundation of thinking and knowledge that is prevalent today. Scientific research has, of course, allowed for much improvement and innovation in humanity, but it must be taken as part of the web that forms when considering complicated and abstract notions like race.
What do you guys think? Do you think most people still consider scientific research as having the ultimate truth?
I am a firm believer in science, but I am also a firm believer in questioning everything! I think that science can most definitely be flawed and that scientists can be led by the culture from which they live. The hypotheses that are made are molded by the scientists' cultures (i.e. why are blacks inferior instead of ARE they inferior beings).
ReplyDeleteI think that it is good to question science but also yourselves. We too are molded by our culture and may not even be aware of the things we accept and take for granted. It's good to keep ourselves in check and renew our values and beliefs every once in a while.