# Exploring the Overlooked Constraints of Science
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Chapter 1: Understanding Scientific Limitations
Before diving into how scientific narratives can restrict our thinking and how we might broaden our perspectives, it's essential to highlight an idea articulated beautifully by Zat Rana. He states, "In a world with complete information, reasoning can yield definite answers; however, in our reality—where knowledge is incomplete and perceptions can be flawed—reason serves more as a guide than an absolute truth." — Zat Rana, What Does It Mean To Be Spiritual? A Rational Answer.
This insight lays the groundwork for exploring the tangible impact of such limitations in our daily lives.
Section 1.1: The Horse and the Hot Dog
A striking example comes from Ellen Langer, an influential scholar and experimenter renowned for her concept of "the psychology of possibility." Her work emphasizes exploring what is achievable rather than what is universally accepted as true.
One of her memorable stories involves her childhood experience at a horse show. As a diligent A+ student, she memorized everything, even the captions in her textbooks. While at the event, a horse owner asked her to watch his horse while he fetched a hot dog. Young Ellen was taken aback: "A hot dog for a horse? Horses only eat plants!" However, to her astonishment, the horse devoured the hot dog when the owner returned. This incident was a pivotal moment for her, leading her to realize that what we perceive as absolute truths can sometimes be misleading.
This simple statement—horses don't consume meat—can be interpreted as an absolute fact or a mere probability. Scientific narratives often push us to think in absolutes, yet such certainty is an illusion that arises when we overlook specific contexts.
What if we considered the horse's hunger or the ingredients in the hot dog? Our understanding of the situation would undoubtedly shift. This principle holds true for scientific conclusions as well; they hinge on the details a scientist chooses to consider. Unfortunately, as laypeople, we frequently overlook the many variables omitted in scientific studies.
Section 1.2: The Formation of Scientific Dogma
To assert something as an absolute truth, we must possess all pertinent data—an unattainable goal in contemporary science. As Zat Rana notes, "The knowledge we use to define the laws of physics stems from only 5 percent of the Universe, with the remaining 95 percent obscured by dark matter and dark energy—concepts we struggle to comprehend."
Acknowledging that our data is incomplete and our tools for observation are flawed, we must approach scientific research not as a quest for absolutes but as a means of understanding probabilities. A poignant example of this is the "1.5˚C" report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The scientists behind this report recognize that the complexities of climate phenomena cannot be articulated with absolute certainty. While their findings are regarded as the most credible source on climate change, the authors themselves frame their conclusions in probabilistic terms, often using qualifiers like "likely" and "high confidence."
Such awareness of the limits of their research signifies a high standard in scientific inquiry. Unfortunately, common implementations of science often ignore these unknowns, leading to dogmatic beliefs.
Chapter 2: The Influence of Medical Science
Consider how society often approaches health care. We tend to assume that the best course of action is to rely solely on medical professionals who base their recommendations on past studies, often without considering the nuances of individual health conditions.
"The hallmark of any dogma, whether religious or scientific, is using current knowledge to dismiss the uncertainties of the future, without acknowledging that future insights may contradict earlier beliefs," states Zat Rana. This mindset is prevalent in our health care system, where we often accept generalized medical advice as absolute truth.
For instance, just as we might assume that horses do not eat meat, we may also believe that our health conditions are beyond improvement. This fixed belief can hinder our ability to heal, not because healing is impossible, but because we have convinced ourselves it is.
History has repeatedly shown that what was once deemed impossible can become reality when someone challenges the status quo. Embracing new possibilities and questioning what we think we know is vital for progress.
This realization has shaped Ellen Langer's work, leading her to explore "The Psychology of Possibility," focusing on what can be rather than what is. One of her groundbreaking studies involved an experiment that demonstrated the potential for reversing aging effects. In 1981, she gathered a group of octogenarians for a "time travel retreat," where they lived in an environment designed to replicate 1959. The participants engaged in discussions and activities from that era, which resulted in measurable improvements in their physical and mental capabilities.
Langer's findings suggest that reversing aging—a concept once considered impossible—can indeed be feasible, provided we are willing to challenge existing scientific consensus.
Mindfulness: A Path to Overcoming Bias
"All research passes through three phases: first, it is ridiculed; second, it faces violent opposition; and third, it is accepted as self-evident." — Arthur Schopenhauer.
Confirmation bias is a widely recognized phenomenon, where individuals favor information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs. This bias also permeates scientific research, as researchers often unconsciously seek evidence that supports their hypotheses.
As Ellen Langer explains, "Researchers typically view variability as a challenge, making the difference between a publishable study and one that is shelved." When scientists anticipate a specific outcome, they may overlook contradictory evidence, thereby influencing societal beliefs about drugs or medical treatments.
Despite its limitations, science remains the best tool for expanding our collective knowledge. The objective is not to reject scientific findings outright but to approach them with a healthy skepticism.
Given the complexity of the world, cultivating an attitude of mindfulness can help us navigate these challenges. Mindfulness encourages us to engage with the present and acknowledge that change is constant.
Ellen Langer emphasizes that people often desire certainty and stability in their beliefs. However, everything is in flux, and recognizing this can help us appreciate the ever-evolving nature of our reality.
By fostering a mindset that embraces change, we can open ourselves to new possibilities—whether it's the realization that some horses may occasionally eat meat or the understanding that we may improve our health or achieve our dreams. The potential for change exists, but we must be willing to entertain that idea.
The first video, What Are The Limitations of Science?, explores the boundaries of scientific understanding and how these constraints affect our perceptions.
The second video, Top 5 Things Wrong With Science, critiques common misconceptions and flaws within scientific practice, underscoring the importance of questioning established narratives.