Film Synopsis

1. What is scientism?
a. How is scientism related to technocracy/scientocracy?
According to Webster, the first definition of scientism is "the methods, mental attitude,

doctrines, or modes of expression characteristic or held to be characteristic of scientists." This is

not the sense in which C. S. Lewis uses the word. Webster's second definition fits Lewis's usage

well; "a thesis that the methods of the natural sciences should be used in all areas of investigation

including philosophy, the humanities, and the social sciences and belief that only such methods

can fruitfully be used in the pursuit of knowledge."

Scientism based from the philosophy of Luke Mastin is the broad-based belief that the

assumptions and methods of research of the physical and natural sciences are

equally appropriate to all other disciplines, including philosophy, the humanities and the social

sciences. In relation to that, it is based on the belief that natural science has authority over all other

interpretations of life, and that the methods of natural science form the only proper elements in

any philosophical inquiry. The term is sometimes used to indicate the improper use of science or

scientific claims (as a justification or authority) to a topic which is perceived to be beyond the

scope of scientific inquiry. In this context. Scientism can be seen as a faith that science has no

boundaries, and that in due time all human problems and all aspects of human endeavor will be

dealt and solved by science alone.

Technocracy is a system of governance where decision-makers are selected on the basis

of technological knowledge. Scientists, engineers, technologists, or experts in any field, would

compose the governing body, instead of elected representatives. Leadership skills would be

selected on the basis of specialized knowledge and performance, rather than parliamentary skills.
Technocracy in that sense of the word (is an entire government run as a technical or engineering

problem) is mostly hypothetical. In another commonly used sense, technocracy is any portion of

a bureaucracy that is run by technologists.

The term technocracy is derived from the Greek words , tekhne meaning skill and

, kratos meaning power, as in governance, or rule and it was originally used to advocate the

application of the scientific method to solving social problems. Concern could be given to

sustainability within the resource base, instead of monetary, profitability, so as to ensure continued

operation of all social-industrial functions. Some uses the word to refer to a form of meritocracy,

where the ablest are in charge, ostensibly without the influence of special interest groups.

b. Was C.S. Lewis against Science?

C. S. Lewis respected science, but he deeply feared a scientocracy or scientists boasting

themselves with their presumptive authority to grasp political power. Lewis was concerned that

the modern rejection of absolute standards and objective values would leave mankind with no

defense against what some persons might do with the powers of science. His love of individual

freedom and his appreciation for people as creatures made in the image of God caused him to fear

what might be done to humanity if science, without Christian standards to restrain it, were to be

given the power of government to enforce what a few persons might plan for all the rest.

Lewis was not anti-science, but was opposed to 'Scientism', which may be defined as

the wrong-headed belief that modern science supplies the only reliable method of knowledge about

the world and also that scientists should be the ones to dictate public policy and even our moral

and religious beliefs simply on the basis of their scientific expertise.

 Science has many positive aspects. To many, the abilities of science seems almost magical.

Lewis claimed that serious magical endeavor and serious scientific endeavor are twins. Science

and magic both have the ability to function as an alternative to religion. Science as power is the

most dangerous aspect of science's similarity to magic, which threatens the future of civilization

itself. The critical difference between science and magic is that science works.

2. The video contends that Science and Technology may be gaining increasing control over

our lives, potentially to the detriment of society. Do you agree? Does this match your own

observations and experiences?

Yes, I agree that Science and Technology is partly increasingly controlling our lives but

not all. It is evident because the rate at which science is progressing is really breath-taking. Based

from my own experiences, observations and from the history at about 50 years ago, one could

imagine of what we have achieved today. Earlier, computers were the size of many rooms. With

the intervention of mobile technology, we are able to produce computers that can fit into our

pockets. We can know what is happening all around the world at our fingertips. Newer version of

phones and tablets were released every few months claiming to have better sophisticated

technology. These gadgets constantly capture our attention. As a result, people replace their

gadgets almost every year or even few months.

Internet would become an apparatus that tracks our every move, erasing important aspects

of privacy and free speech in our social and political lives. The technology we thought we were

using to make life more efficient started using us some time ago. It is now attempting to reshape

our social behavior. While being connected is good, too much of a good thing can backfire. Being
constantly connected has made us not as effective at problem solving, not as good at innovation

and creativity, and not so great with friends and family. But this is not technologys fault. No!

Dont blame the technology blame how we use it. Its true that technology has given us the

ability to stay constantly connected, constantly at work, but its not technologys fault. Lets

instead look in the mirror and realize whos really to blame here. Its time to take control of our

technology and our lives so that we can rediscover the wonderful treasures that are buried in those

separate realities we once had.

The proper use of technology is that it should be a means to serve us and make our lives

easier. A key requirement is that we should be in control. We should not serve technology and

allow our gadgets to control our lives, social skills or decisions. When this happens, it can endanger

the proper development of the personality and hamper the social relationships needed for life

together in society.

3. Science is supposed to promote critical thinking. According to the film, how might

science actually be promoting credulous, gullible thinking?

Science used to develop critical thinking abilities of individuals. Nowadays, with its

tremendous advancement in technology, we are deeply amazed at how things are made. We are

so overwhelmed and we completely rely on these technology that we seem to trust no one but

these. It is now a fact that we rely on science and technology to solve everything for us. In fact,

we arrive at some conclusions and decisions based on what they suggest at us. With the ease and

convenience they bring, we tend to act and decide so fast that we fail to assess or study situations
very well. Science and Technology has indeed made life easier in many aspects, but it made us

somehow lazy and adamant.

4. The film contends that much of modern science is about exerting power over the world.

Is this a virtue/advantage or a liability/disadvantage?

Modern Science has truly taken hold of the world for all the discoveries and technologies

it brought. He who holds the latest in technology holds power and influence over the other. He

has the power to dictate and dominate the world. When science is used to make mans life at the

peak of success without setting aside the natural processes, then it is an advantage. When science

is used to discover new things without disrespect to Gods creation, then it is a virtue. God created

Science, but science can never create God. We should never lose faith, for it will be faith that will

save us.
 REFERENCES

Luke Mastin (2008). The Basics of Philosophy. Retrieved on November 23, 2017 from

http://www.philosophybasics.com/branch_scientism.html

Dr James Le Fanu.(n.d.). Retrieved on November 23, 2017 from https://www.bethinking.org/does-

science-disprove-god/cs-lewis-views-on-science-and-scientism. 2013 Christian Heritage