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Activity (Chapter 4) STS

The document discusses the concept of scientism as the belief that science is the only path to knowledge, as presented in the movie 'The Magician’s Twin.' It highlights CS Lewis's view that modern science can be more dangerous than magic due to its potential for misuse and the lack of a moral foundation. Additionally, it reflects on personal experiences of human flourishing and the importance of meaningful moments in life.

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Carolyn Dela Roca
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16 views2 pages

Activity (Chapter 4) STS

The document discusses the concept of scientism as the belief that science is the only path to knowledge, as presented in the movie 'The Magician’s Twin.' It highlights CS Lewis's view that modern science can be more dangerous than magic due to its potential for misuse and the lack of a moral foundation. Additionally, it reflects on personal experiences of human flourishing and the importance of meaningful moments in life.

Uploaded by

Carolyn Dela Roca
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Activity for CHAPTER 4: The Human Person Flourishing in terms of

Science and Technology

Watch the movie clip (Youtube) The Magician’s Twin: CS Lewis and the Case against Scientism
(https://youtu.be/FPeyJvXU68k?si=8AKt6FfKRsTkahLL)

Answer the following questions:

1. What is scientism according to the magician’s twin?


-Scientism is the belief that science is the only definite path to knowledge and wisdom, and
that the spiritual realm is a mirage. Scientism, as an approach of natural science, should be
applied when evaluating all other disciplines.

2. Why did CS Lewis think that modern science is far more dangerous than magic?
-Lewis never criticizes science, simply scientism, the abuse of knowledge that has an
unexpected connection with magic. World wars were driven by scientific excesses. Lewis
associated science with magic. Actually, they are twins. Three reasons:
1. Religion - Something exceptional out there. Can provide you with a sense of meaning. It
strikes a deep resonance in people who believe in something beyond themselves. For some,
this wonderful picture of the world - Narnia, Lord of the Rings, etc. - can be a religion.
2. People in the present society will believe nearly anything if it is dressed up as science.
Lewis was fascinated by Freud's psychoanalysis. Everything's disintegration leaves you with
nothing. The book of the Pilgrim's Regress. Another term for evolutionism. That matter may
be able to guide itself unintentionally. How can I trust my own mind about evolutionism if it is
a product of the irrational?
3. Power - the desire for power. Magicians desired authority over the world in order to govern it.
Modern science is considerably more harmful than magic since magic does not work in the
end, whereas modern science can control and influence people. So, if you don't have a
moral foundation outside of science to govern it, you're in for a catastrophic future.

3. Do you agree or disagree with the different quotes cited in the movie? Explain your answer.
• Only science can save us from natural catastrophe – John Gray
- Though I appreciate science, I respectfully disagree with this quote. Yes, science and
technology can foresee natural disasters, but they cannot forecast when or where they will
occur. For example, as far as I am aware, scientists or the USGS have never forecast a
significant earthquake. They can only compute the likelihood of a large earthquake
occurring in a specific place within a given number of years. Also, if science can save us
from natural disasters, how come the PHILVOLCS could not predict that Taal Volcano
will erupt in January 2020? Also, if a tsunami strikes our country, do you believe
telephones, helicopters, vehicles, and current technology will be able to save millions of
people? People can be saved by helicopters. But do you believe they will save those who
are not as fortunate as they are? No, I don't believe so.

4. Activity: Questions for Reflection


Does the idea of human flourishing reflect in progress and development?
- I think so. I believe that humankind could not have invented anything that is used in the
modern world today were it not for human flourishing. Humans are capable of creating
things that are useful and enhance our quality of life through their skills, abilities, and
qualities.
5. As you look at your daily life and in the past years, what are the aspects of your life that have
been the most rewarding and enriching? When was the happiest?
- Myself being so pity about everything, because ever since I was young I always pity my
siblings, cousins and classmates for having stuffs that I know I don’t have. I am so
hesitant and forceful to my mother to brought me those stuffs that they have. And as
looking back few years ago, my happiest memory was when I celebrated my 18th
birthday. Because considering our financial status , it’s not possible for me to have a
grand debut celebration, but surprisingly , my mother provide and made it possible, it
may not be look so grant as it seems but I really appreciate her for providing that such
unforgettable experience.

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