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Documentary Film Analysis

The document discusses C.S. Lewis's views on scientism and the dangers of elevating science to the status of religion. Lewis argued that science should not be accepted without critical examination and cautioned against using scientific knowledge without ethical considerations. He believed modern science is more potentially dangerous than magic due to its ability to manipulate the physical world in unprecedented and destructive ways.

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11 views3 pages

Documentary Film Analysis

The document discusses C.S. Lewis's views on scientism and the dangers of elevating science to the status of religion. Lewis argued that science should not be accepted without critical examination and cautioned against using scientific knowledge without ethical considerations. He believed modern science is more potentially dangerous than magic due to its ability to manipulate the physical world in unprecedented and destructive ways.

Uploaded by

saidgadong14
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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GADONG, Karl Said B.

Science, Technology, and Society


BSCS 2B

DOCUMENTARY FILM ANALYSIS

1. What is scientism?
In "The Magician’s Twin: C.S. Lewis and the Case against Scientism," scientism refers to
the belief that the scientific method and empirical evidence are the only legitimate sources of
knowledge and truth, excluding other forms of understanding such as philosophy, religion, or
ethics. It often leads to an overestimation of the scope and authority of science in addressing all
questions about the nature of reality and human experience.

2. How did C.S. Lewis explain the following:


A. Science as Religion:

Lewis argued that when science is elevated to the status of a religion, it


becomes dogmatic and intolerant, dismissing other forms of knowledge and
wisdom. This can lead to scientism, where science is seen as the only valid way to
understand the world, akin to religious faith.

B. Science as Credulity:

Lewis criticized the blind acceptance of scientific theories without critical


examination. He cautioned against placing unquestioning faith in the
pronouncements of scientists, emphasizing the importance of skepticism and
rational inquiry.

C. Science as Power:

Lewis warned against the misuse of scientific knowledge for power and
control over others. He highlighted the potential dangers of technological
advancements when divorced from ethical considerations and a sense of
responsibility.
3. Why did C.S. Lewis think that modern Science is far more dangerous than magic?

C.S. Lewis believed that modern science is potentially more dangerous than
magic because it possesses the power to manipulate and control the physical world in
unprecedented ways. While magic is often portrayed as supernatural and fantastical,
limited in its scope and application, science has the ability to yield tangible and far-
reaching effects. Lewis was concerned that without moral and ethical guidance, the
pursuit of scientific knowledge could lead to destructive consequences, both for
individuals and society as a whole. Additionally, he argued that science, when divorced
from a broader understanding of human nature and purpose, could lead to a reductionistic
worldview that undermines important aspects of human experience, such as morality,
meaning, and spirituality.

4. Based on what you learned in the documentary film, how does scientism pose a
threat to the human person flourishing in science and technology? Why should be
guided by an ethical basis that is not dedicated by science itself?

Scientism, the belief that science is the only valid way of knowing, can hinder
human flourishing in science and technology by Narrowing Scientific Inquiry. Scientism
may limit scientific exploration to questions answerable only through the scientific
method. This excludes valuable insights from ethics, religion, and the arts, potentially
stifling creativity and innovation. Devaluing Human Experience. By viewing humans
solely through a scientific lens, scientism can diminish the importance of human values
and experiences. This can lead to a disregard for human dignity and a loss of meaning in
scientific pursuits.

Scientism, the belief that science is the only valid way to acquire knowledge, can
pose a threat to human flourishing in science and technology by reducing complex human
experiences and values to purely empirical or materialistic terms. This narrow perspective
can overlook the ethical and moral considerations essential for the well-being of
individuals and society. Science should be guided by an ethical basis outside of itself to
ensure responsible and humane use of technological advancements, fostering a more
holistic approach to innovation that prioritizes human welfare alongside scientific
progress.

Science is a powerful tool, but it should be guided by ethical principles that go


beyond scientific objectivity. These principles ensure scientific advancements serve
humanity and promote human well-being.
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