Oddbean

Science has become a religion. Here is something I wrote not too long ago: Traditional religion has been supplanted by a new belief system known as Scientism, where the government acts as the new church. This shift is not about the scientific method itself but rather about the faith placed in so-called experts. This prevailing belief system has become akin to the dominant religion of our time, with people so firmly believing in "the Science" that they fail to recognise it as a form of religion, instead accepting it as the absolute truth. This faith in Scientism mirrors traditional religious belief in several ways. Both place an ultimate authority on truth and reality—science or a divine entity—and centre around a set of beliefs: Scientism in the infallibility of scientific methods and empirical evidence, and religious faith in the teachings and existence of a god or gods. Followers of Scientism, much like adherents of traditional religions, show devotion to their beliefs, which shapes their identity and community, providing a sense of belonging and a shared worldview. A significant element of this new belief system is the reverence afforded to doctors, who are often viewed and trusted in a manner similar to priests in traditional religions. Just as priests are seen as intermediaries between the divine and the faithful, offering guidance, interpretation, and the administration of sacred rites, doctors within the church of Scientism are regarded as the mediators between "the Science" and the public. They interpret scientific findings, administer treatments (akin to sacraments), and guide individuals in making life choices based on the latest medical and scientific understanding. This trust in doctors underscores a profound faith in their knowledge and authority, positioning them as critical figures in the societal structure of Scientism. Both the government, as the new church of Scientism, and traditional religious institutions employ remarkably similar methods of control and influence. They operate within structured hierarchies that demand respect and obedience. Legislation and dogma, education and indoctrination, the use of fear and rewards, and control over information are tools used by both to maintain power and uphold certain beliefs. Moreover, ceremonies, rituals, symbols, and iconography reinforce loyalty and the values of these institutions, creating a strong sense of identity and belonging. The inclusion and exclusion criteria further define community boundaries, while both claim a form of moral authority that legitimises their rules and decisions. Adding to this parallel, peer-reviewed studies have become synonymous with holy scriptures within the realm of Scientism. They are revered and quoted as the ultimate source of truth, guiding public policy and personal health decisions with an authority akin to that of sacred texts in religious traditions. Similarly, vaccinations can be seen as the Scientism counterpart to baptism in traditional religions, representing a rite of initiation and a symbolic induction into the community. These elements underscore the moral and communal dimensions of such practices within this belief system. Crucially, questioning or criticising "the Science" that underpins Scientism elicits reactions reminiscent of those observed in traditional religious contexts. When the core tenets of Scientism are challenged, one can expect to encounter the same emotional outbursts that are typical of traditional religious disputes. This defensive stance highlights the role of authority in shaping collective beliefs and underscores how questioning the established "truth" becomes a fraught endeavour, often met with intense and emotional pushback. This dynamic not only reveals the emotional investment in Scientism but also the mechanisms by which it maintains its authority and cohesiveness, drawing a direct line to how traditional religions react to skepticism. Thus, the resemblance between the control mechanisms of government as the church of Scientism and traditional religious churches is stark. It underscores how both types of institutions exert influence over individuals, often using a mix of psychological, social, and material means to achieve their ends. This expanded recognition prompts a reevaluation of our unwavering faith in "the Science" and invites us to question the similarities between traditional religious adherence and our contemporary belief systems, highlighting the complex interplay between belief, authority, and control in shaping human society.