‘The Scientific Point of View’ by J.B.S.Haldane

Summary:

                 J.B.S.Haldane was a British born geneticist and evolutionary biologist. He contributed in the development of neo-Darwinian thinking. He wrote a popular book, named “My Friend Mr. Leakey” which contained several stories and “Daedalus; or the Science and The Future”. In “The Scientific Point of View”, J.B.S.Haldane opposes superstitions and supports rational thinking.

                             Haldane says that science affects us in two ways- we are benefitted by its applications, be it driving in a motor car instead of horse-drawn vehicle, being treated for disease by a doctor instead of a witch. Secondly it influences our opinions, as now everyone believes that the earth is round and the heavens are nearly empty instead of solid.

                             According to Haldane, if we are to control our own and one another’s actions, the scientific point of view must come out of the laboratory and be applied to the events of daily life. He adds that it is foolish to think that the scientific views, which have already developed agriculture, industry, war and medicine will prove useless when applied to the family, the nation or the human race.

                      Haldane says that science attempts to be truthful and impartial. By comparing scientific point of view with legal point of view, he says that a judge may only be impartial in giving his judgment between two individuals, whereas a scientist is impartial not only between people but also about a tape worm and the solar system. By comparing scientific point of view with God’s view, Haldane says that scientist simply interprets the consequences many actions rather than passing judgments, which is while done by God.

                           The tendency of average man, as Haldane opines, always dwell on the emotional and ethical side of an issue rather than on facts. For this first he mentioned the problem of American Negros. Some Americans believe that Negros are inferior to them and so should be segregated from them. While some believe that they should enjoy the same rights like white Americans. But the scientist makes it clear that both these groups of people are comfortable only in their respective areas and both of them die of consumption whenever they step into each other’s areas.

                            Haldane remarks that our approach to the problem of disease is even less rational. He says that the pre-Christians believe that it someone was suffering from any disease, it was a punishment from some goddess for a sin either by the sick person or his family or of his whole community. But Haldane makes it clear that civilized and savage (uncivilized) man, health and sickness are equally parts of nature. Haldane says that modern medicine has come out with miraculous drugs but it has become very hard to apply its results in practice. With the example of diabetics Haldane remarks that diabetes can easily be controlled by injecting insulin, but they hardly  takes the suggestions of doctors regarding to taking medicine. By taking typhoid disease as an example, Haldane remarks that the common people always attempt to ‘cure’ from their disease. But Haldane says that a scientist attempts to ‘prevent’ the disease instead of cure it.

                           Finally Haldane says that average man and woman should not be guided by false principles. He concludes that unless and until humans adopt scientific point of view, the enemies of science can’t be conquered.

Meanings:-

Genetics                          = the study of how the inherited characteristics are passed from 

                                          one generation to another generation                                             

Evolution                        = gradual development of living organisms from their earlier forms
Superstition                   =  a belief not  based on reason                       
Rational thinking            = intellectual  thinking
Heavens                       = celestial sphere                        
Consequences              = results
Impartial                       = being neutral; treating all equally                                                       
Segregate                     = separate
Goddess                       = a female deity
Savage                         = wild; uncivilized; rude             
Miraculous                   = wonderful;  great
Cure                             = heal

Vali basha Shaik