Science, derived from the Latin ‘‘scientia,’’ originally meant general knowledge both of the physical and spiritual world. Through the ages, however, the meaning of science narrowed to the description and understanding
(knowledge) of nature (i.e., the physical world). ...
Science has, however, established many fundamental observations and facts of our physical world. For example, atoms exist in a variety corresponding to the elements, as do DNA, bacteria, stars and galaxies, gravity and electromagnetism, natural selection and evolution. Science is our quest for understanding of the physical world,
and we should keep this in proper perspective while admitting to the limits of where our human understanding can reach.
A fundamental question in our quest for knowledge and understanding always will be whether there is a higher intelligence beyond our grasp. ... There are also many other questions, such as those of our consciousness and free will, whether there was indeed a beginning, whether there is a reason or goal of our being, and was it planned, to which science itself cannot give answers. ... I don’t know whether there is a God or creator, or whatever we may call a higher intelligence or being. I don’t know whether there is an ultimate reason for our being or whether there is anything beyond material phenomena. I may doubt these things as a scientist, as we cannot prove them scientifically, but at the same time we also cannot falsify (disprove) them. For the same reasons, I cannot deny God with certainty, which would make me an atheist. This is a conclusion reached by many scientists. I simply admit that there is so much that I don’t know and that will always remain beyond my (and mankind’s) comprehension. Fortunately, I have never had difficulty admitting my limitations (and there are many)....
For me, it is not difficult to reconcile science (and by necessity our limited knowledge) and the possibility (although to me not probability) of a higher being or intelligence beyond our grasp and understanding.
--- An Excerpt from Autobiographical Reflections of a Nobel Prize Winner George A. Olah
(knowledge) of nature (i.e., the physical world). ...
Science has, however, established many fundamental observations and facts of our physical world. For example, atoms exist in a variety corresponding to the elements, as do DNA, bacteria, stars and galaxies, gravity and electromagnetism, natural selection and evolution. Science is our quest for understanding of the physical world,
and we should keep this in proper perspective while admitting to the limits of where our human understanding can reach.
A fundamental question in our quest for knowledge and understanding always will be whether there is a higher intelligence beyond our grasp. ... There are also many other questions, such as those of our consciousness and free will, whether there was indeed a beginning, whether there is a reason or goal of our being, and was it planned, to which science itself cannot give answers. ... I don’t know whether there is a God or creator, or whatever we may call a higher intelligence or being. I don’t know whether there is an ultimate reason for our being or whether there is anything beyond material phenomena. I may doubt these things as a scientist, as we cannot prove them scientifically, but at the same time we also cannot falsify (disprove) them. For the same reasons, I cannot deny God with certainty, which would make me an atheist. This is a conclusion reached by many scientists. I simply admit that there is so much that I don’t know and that will always remain beyond my (and mankind’s) comprehension. Fortunately, I have never had difficulty admitting my limitations (and there are many)....
For me, it is not difficult to reconcile science (and by necessity our limited knowledge) and the possibility (although to me not probability) of a higher being or intelligence beyond our grasp and understanding.
--- An Excerpt from Autobiographical Reflections of a Nobel Prize Winner George A. Olah
RSS Feed
