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Entry: The Right's Science Problem Link: http://www.takimag.com/site/article/the_rights_science_problem#17293 Post contents: You know, it really amuses seeing people rush to the barricades in defense of the likes of Darwin (or say the likes of Nietzsche in other contexts) when it is observed that they held what are now considered politically incorrect opinions.. And that their ideas, especially Darwinian scientific theory, inspire and are put use by Nazis, other racialists & eugenicists, to this very day. It's equally amusing to see educated Christians get all annoyed when it is pointed out that Darwinism often justifies (many might say requires) atheism according to many stunted minds. Minds like Richard Dawkin's or Chris Hitchens,' for example. Those Theists who respond, pressing for theological & philosophical arguments in the "science" classromm, calling it all "Intelligent Design theory" have, of course, every right to be indignant. But they are confused. Because all they need and should do is point out the only salient point: That science is merely a hybrid philosophical methodology. Empiricism, crossed with rationalism, aided by applied mathematics. That's it, that's all. All the data it provides must be couched in metaphysical schema (couched symbolically, in words, say) to make any sense. Any moral or ethical sense, certainly. So, when the Nazis seize power and come knocking on the faculty door, the scientist (as such,) has nothing to say to them except "where's my funding?" and "Vat vould you have me research mien Fuhrer?" Because his methodology is amoral and has nothing fundamental to reveal *in itself* about any metaphysical reality. There is no "good" or "evil" in science. A *Catholic* scientist, though (one who obeys his conscience) will have a lot he could say. He might tell them (for example): "Whatever applied Darwinism may reveal concerning genetic variations across human populations, those differences (no matter what aggregate strengths or weaknesses they may entail) in no way impugn the dignity of any individual human person or class of persons. Because the Catholic Faith holds that we are all children of the Living God, and no matter what our individual weakness or sin, we are all to be treated with the utmost respect. Our personhood derives from his personhood, and our dignity from his dignity. So I oppose you on these grounds, and will never work for you, who abhor God and his mercy." It's pretty simple, no? Let's all just put science in it's proper place, like good philosophers, aye? Sent at: 2008 07 24