Science and the modern worldWhitehead, Alfred North
Religion
Science and the modern world
Whitehead, Alfred North
Science
Again I will give you another example taken from the state of modern
physical science. Since the time of Newton and Huyghens in the
seventeenth century there have been two theories as to the physical
nature of light. Newton’s theory was that a beam of light consists of a
stream of very minute particles, or corpuscles, and that we have the
sensation of light when these corpuscles strike the retinas of our eyes.
Huyghens’ theory was that light consists of very minute waves of
trembling in an all-pervading ether, and that these waves are travelling
along a beam of light. The two theories are contradictory. In the
eighteenth century Newton’s theory was believed, in the nineteenth
century Huyghens’ theory was believed. To-day there is one large group
of phenomena which can be explained only on the wave theory, and another
large group which can be explained only on the corpuscular theory.
Scientists have to leave it at that, and wait for the future, in the
hope of attaining some wider vision which reconciles both.
We should apply these same principles to the questions in which there is
a variance between science and religion. We would believe nothing in
either sphere of thought which does not appear to us to be certified by
solid reasons based upon the critical research either of ourselves or of
competent authorities. But granting that we have honestly taken this
precaution, a clash between the two on points of detail where they
overlap should not lead us hastily to abandon doctrines for which we
have solid evidence. It may be that we are more interested in one set of
doctrines than in the other. But, if we have any sense of perspective
and of the history of thought, we shall wait and refrain from mutual
anathemas.
We should wait: but we should not wait passively, or in despair. The
clash is a sign that there are wider truths and finer perspectives
within which a reconciliation of a deeper religion and a more subtle
science will be found.
In one sense, therefore, the conflict between science and religion is a
slight matter which has been unduly emphasised. A mere logical
contradiction cannot in itself point to more than the necessity of some
readjustments, possibly of a very minor character on both sides.
Remember the widely different aspects of events which are dealt with in
science and in religion respectively. Science is concerned with the
general conditions which are observed to regulate physical phenomena;
whereas religion is wholly wrapped up in the contemplation of moral and
aesthetic values. On the one side there is the law of gravitation, and
on the other the contemplation of the beauty of holiness. What one side
sees, the other misses; and vice versa.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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