All tagged Polanyi
Climate change, obviously, is tied to scientific method. But just what is scientific method? How is it different from technological advance? What kinds of things get in the way of increasingly better scientific knowledge? Why, for a show about theology, am I even taking a look at climate change? I also share a fun story from when I was in the 5th grade in Oregon's Willamette valley.
Despite the ostrich-mode taken by so many, America is in an unprecedented moment. Why is this different? What is the ingredient fueling this burn? How is it affecting me, personally? How is knowledge—and the PoMo anger about objectivity—at work in our cynical era? Instead of objectivity, what does society need? Come laugh and think with me!
Philosopher Michael Polanyi described the Modernist quest for objectivity as a kind of second fall. What'd he mean by that? How does objectivity bind us? What is a better way? A more biblical and Christian way? Jesus called us to be salt, but if we process reality just like non-believers our saltiness will be effete. (I'm also joined by Milt the Mediocre Motivational speaker).
Scientists believe, passionately! To do their work they simply must be committed to their own discipline's knowledge. Michael Polanyi, himself a chemist, shows us that it is impossible to believe anything meaningful without commitment. I dare you to ask yourself, and others, questions. Jesus asked uncomfortable questions. All of this is because it is not healthy to be a sheeple!
Are Scientists only objective? Is religious faith unusual? Well, we are taught daily that science is based on pure reason. But in this episode, following Michael Polanyi as our guide, I will show that actually science involves great subjectivity. Moreover, the doing of science involves trust, that is faith, risk, and commitment; qualities that are normally relegated to the world of religious faith.
