Mythcœur

Tag: myth

  • Myth vs. Hard Science – Two ways of knowing, not one enemy

    Myth vs. Hard Science: Two Ways of Knowing, Not One Enemy

    For centuries, humanity has relied on various methods to make sense of the world around us. Among these, myth and science have stood out as two of the most profound and influential ways of understanding reality. While they are often seen as opposing forces, a closer examination reveals that they serve different purposes and can complement each other in unexpected ways.

    Understanding Myth: More than Just Folklore

    The term “myth” is often misused to mean a mere falsehood. However, in its original and more nuanced sense, myth constitutes stories that people tell to explain the world and their experience of it. These stories, while not empirically verifiable, convey truths that cannot be easily measured.

    “Myth is much more important and true than history. History is just journalism and you know how reliable that is.” – Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth

    Myths serve several functions in society. They offer moral guidance, serve as cautionary tales, or create a shared cultural narrative that binds communities together. An example is the Greek myths, which have provided rich material for understanding human nature, virtue, and vice. Such stories might not provide factual history but offer deep insights into human psychology and ethical dilemmas.

    The Role of Hard Science: The Pursuit of Objectivity

    In contrast to myth, science seeks to understand the world through a rigorous method of hypothesis, experimentation, and analysis. Science looks to eliminate bias and achieve objective truths based on empirical evidence. It is characterized by its replicability and falsifiability. The strength of science lies in its ability to explain phenomena in a way that they can be consistently measured and validated.

    As Carl Sagan famously said,

    “Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality. When we recognize our place in an immensity of light-years and in the passage of ages, when we grasp the intricacy, beauty, and subtlety of life, then that soaring feeling, that sense of elation and humility combined, is surely spiritual.”

    Science’s strength lies in solving practical problems, from curing diseases to unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos. However, it is not equipped to solve existential questions or provide moral guidance. This is where myth complements science, by filling the spaces that scientific inquiry does not reach.

    Complementary Forces: Myth and Science Together

    • Providing Context: Myths give us a narrative framework within which we can place scientific discoveries. They allow us to relate the cold, hard data of science to the human condition.
    • Sparking Creativity and Inquiry: Mythical stories have served as inspiration for scientific exploration. Think of how many inventions and scientific pursuits have been dreamt up first through the lens of mythology or speculative fiction.
    • Making Science Accessible: Complex scientific concepts can sometimes be best understood through the allegorical wisdom present in myths. They make the distant and abstract feel tangible and imminent.

    Richard Feynman, a noted physicist, famously said,

    “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool. So you have to be very careful about that. After you’ve not fooled yourself, it’s easy not to fool other scientists.”

    This speaks to the honesty and discipline inherent in the scientific process. Yet, it doesn’t negate how myth can enrich our interpretation and understanding of scientific facts.

    The Psychological Link

    From a psychological perspective, both myth and science address fundamental human needs: the need to understand, to predict, and to control or influence our environment. They provide a scaffolding on which we can construct our understanding of the self and of the universe. Psychologists like Carl Jung have explored how myths can offer insight into the collective unconscious, acting as mirrors of the human psyche.

    Jung argued that myths are akin to dreams and express the dreams of a society, and as such, they resonate on a deep psychological level. This helps individuals navigate their inner landscapes as much as science helps them understand the external world.

    The Modern Integration of Myth and Science

    In today’s world, where technological advancements occur at a breathtaking pace, it is crucial to maintain a balance between myth and science. Rather than seeing them as enemies, societies can benefit enormously from appreciating each as a critical component of human knowledge.

    • Education Systems: Incorporating both myth and science education can enhance creativity and critical thinking. For example, storytelling methods can be used to teach complex scientific ideas in a way that is engaging and memorable.
    • Cultural Understanding: By acknowledging both methods of knowing, differing worldviews can be reconciled, promoting a richer, more inclusive dialogue about human progress.
    • Innovation: Many of the world’s greatest innovators have been inspired by myth, from Da Vinci’s sketches of flying machines dreaming of Icarus to modern astronauts inspired by celestial myths.

    Conclusion

    In a world rife with information yet starved of wisdom, both myth and science offer invaluable tools. Instead of competing for supremacy, they should be recognized as parts of a comprehensive approach to discovery and understanding. Each advances human knowledge in unique ways:

    • Myth connects us to our past, cultural heritage, and psychological depths.
    • Science propels us forward, opening new doors to the future.

    By transcending the simplistic dualism of myth versus science, we can embrace a more integrated view that celebrates human curiosity in all its forms.

    In our quest for knowledge, may we never lose sight of either the narrative arcs of myth or the profound discoveries of science. In the words of Neil deGrasse Tyson,

    “We are part of this universe; we are in this universe, but perhaps more important than both of those facts is that the universe is in us.”

    Such a realization captures the essence of both myth and science, offering a fuller picture of our place in the cosmos.

  • The Lie of Pure Objectivity – Why myth never pretended to be neutral

    The Lie of Pure Objectivity – Why myth never pretended to be neutral

    In the modern world, where data reigns supreme, the idea of pure objectivity is often considered the holy grail of understanding. Whether in science, journalism, or everyday decision-making, objectivity is hailed as the path to truth. Yet, this pursuit of pure objectivity is a myth itself, for objectivity does not exist in a vacuum; it is laced with subjectivity and bias, often disguised as neutrality.

    The Origins of Objectivity

    Objectivity, as we understand it today, emerged in the 19th century alongside the development of professional journalism and scientific inquiry. According to Wikipedia, journalistic objectivity is founded upon the principles of fairness, neutrality, and the absence of bias. However, many argue that true objectivity is unattainable because all information is inevitably filtered through personal, cultural, and historical lenses.

    Renowned media scholar Jay Rosen highlights this point, stating:

    “Objectivity is a trust mechanism erected by journalists to align with the anxious expectations of an audience that wants to know if the game is clean.”

    This quote emphasizes how objectivity is often more about appeasing the audience than genuinely presenting unbiased information.

    The Myth of Neutrality

    Myths have existed throughout history, serving as vehicles of cultural expression. They never claimed objectivity; instead, they are imbued with the values, beliefs, and experiences of the cultures that created them. As scholar Northrop Frye wrote, myths provide a narrative structure to the human experience, often blending fact with fiction to convey deeper truths.

    The divine tales of ancient Greeks, the epic poems of Norse sagas, and the intricate stories of Indigenous cultures are all examples of myths that embrace subjectivity to express cultural truths. These narratives acknowledge their biases and perspectives, offering wisdom rather than factual accuracy.

    The Infiltration of Bias

    • Confirmation Bias: Individuals tend to favor information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs. In media and science, this bias can skew the objectivity, as researchers and journalists may subconsciously select information that corroborates their views.
    • Cultural Bias: Every culture interprets the world through its unique framework of beliefs and practices. What is deemed objective in one culture may not hold the same status in another.
    • Linguistic Bias: The language used to convey information can subtly influence audience perception, even when attempts to remain neutral are made. The words chosen to describe an event or phenomenon can carry connotations that impact objectivity.

    Embracing Subjectivity for Greater Truth

    Instead of striving for an impossible ideal, embracing subjectivity may lead to a richer understanding of the world. Acknowledging biases can enhance transparency and foster a more critical evaluation of information. Scholars like Thomas Nagel argue that diverse perspectives contribute to a fuller picture, stating:

    “The pursuit of objectivity is both impossible and undesirable, for it is through the subjective that we access and appreciate the objective world.”

    In journalism, for example, recognizing the subjectivity of storytelling can allow for more nuanced reporting. Advocacy journalism, which openly acknowledges its biases, often provides deeper insights into complex social issues, challenging the status quo and sparking dialogue.

    The Path Forward

    As we advance further into the age of information, the lie of pure objectivity becomes clearer. Like myths of old, our narratives today are intertwined with subjectivity. By valuing transparency and acknowledging our biases, we can move beyond the confines of supposed neutrality and achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the world.

    Thus, the myth of objectivity transforms into an opportunity to embrace multicultural, multifaceted perspectives. This approach not only enriches our intellectual landscape but also fosters empathy and tolerance, connecting us across the diverse tapestry of human experience.

  • When Gods Measured the World – Myth as the first form of science

    When Gods Measured the World – Myth as the first form of science

    When Gods Measured the World: Myth as the First Form of Science

    Throughout history, myths have served as the cornerstone of human civilization, offering explanations for natural phenomena long before the advent of modern science. These stories not only provided comfort and understanding to ancient societies but also laid the groundwork for scientific inquiry as we know it today.

    The Role of Myth in Ancient Societies

    Myths were powerful tools used by ancient cultures to make sense of their environment, human behavior, and the cosmos. The ancient Greeks, for example, attributed natural occurrences to the whims of their pantheon of gods. Thunderstorms were seen as Zeus wielding his mighty thunderbolt, while the changing seasons were explained through the story of Demeter and her daughter Persephone.

    “The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.” – Eden Phillpotts

    This quote encapsulates how myths were perceived: as magical narratives awaiting deeper understanding. These narratives laid the theoretical foundations for what would eventually evolve into scientific exploration.

    From Myths to Measurements

    The transition from myth to science was gradual and multifaceted. Many ancient myths contained observational truths that would later be validated by scientific discovery. For instance, the ancient Egyptians’ myth of the Sun God Ra traveling across the sky each day is an early recognition of solar patterns, which would later form the basis of astronomy and timekeeping.

    • Babylonian Astronomy: The Babylonians were amongst the first to record planetary movements, blending mythology with early scientific study. They believed their gods dwelt among the stars, prompting them to meticulously chart celestial bodies.
    • Native American Cosmology: Many Native American tribes used richly metaphorical stories to explain and predict natural events like eclipses and seasonal changes.

    Science as a Successor to Myth

    Some may wonder how myth compares to science in terms of validity and utility. It is crucial to understand that science is, in many respects, a natural successor to myth. While myths relied on narrative coherence and community acceptance, science insists on objective validation and universal applicability.

    According to historian of science, Richard Dawkins, “Science replaces private prejudice with publicly verifiable evidence.” What began as a means of storytelling and cultural transmission would eventually evolve into an empirical method of understanding the universe.

    Cross-cultural Connections and the Scientific Method

    Interestingly, several myths across different cultures suggest a universal quest for knowledge. The Sumerians told of Enki, god of wisdom, who guarded the divine tablet of the Me. Hindus have a similar concept in Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom who resides over knowledge and the arts. These analogous characters point to an intrinsic human desire to understand and measure the world.

    The scientific method, as it developed, was in many ways an organized, goal-oriented continuation of this mythical pursuit of knowledge. It provided a structured way to ask questions, collect data, and draw conclusions—the same processes that myths had informally undertaken centuries before.

    Myth: A Stepping Stone to Enlightenment

    While myths are often relegated to the realm of ancient history, they continue to influence modern culture and inspire contemporary science. Joseph Campbell, a notable scholar of mythology, once remarked, “Myths are public dreams, dreams are private myths.” This perfectly captures how myths and science are intertwined in our continuous effort to chart the unknown.

    Modern-day physicist and cosmologist, Neil deGrasse Tyson, articulates a similar sentiment: “The good thing about science is that it’s true whether or not you believe in it.” Yet, he also acknowledges that myths laid the ground upon which scientific inquiry was built.

    Conclusion

    In revisiting these ancient narratives, we not only gain insight into the development of human understanding but also appreciate the mythological roots of empirical science. Myths were the first form of science, guiding our ancestors’ understanding of the world and inspiring the methods through which we explore it today. In acknowledging this, we learn that the quest for knowledge is as timeless as the stars themselves, eternally linked through stories that measure, explain, and ultimately celebrate the mystery of existence.