SCIENTIFIC TEMPER

Osama Msnzar
“There cannot be any doubt that we cannot progress nationally or individually unless we profit by the lessons of science .......we have to think personably not of as applied in industry or politics but sciences? It is a certain way of seeking the truth. It is a certain empirical way where by we get prepared to reject anything if we cannot ‘establish or prove it”.
Nehru
‘Scientific temper’ means a consistent pursuit of knowledge based on observation and testing of facts. It is basically an empirical device to unravel the mysteries of the universe. The western world, ignoring a vociferous church,  has adopted it as a cardinal-principle of its quest for knowledge. Unfortunately, ‘it failed to find a room in the minds of the populace living in the third world countries. Subsequently the majority of Indians still rely too much on hear say knowledge which not only provides them a licence ‘to reject every new thing at once but also perpetuates the feeling of maintaining the “status Quo”. As a result, the way we think, the way we behave, the way we believe, and the way we adopt are all unscientific.. We never tackle problems scientifically; we always interpret it emotionally. Though, to be emotional is nothing but more an act of foolishness.
Science, which has been derived from ‘the Latin world ‘Scientia’, means knowledge. It has also been defined in different ways as “Systemized body of knowledge’ “organized common sense’ “a heap of truth”, etc. By applying science to cope without problems, we can get rid of these acute and complicated problem. At the same time by making science as the integral part of our thought, mind, behaviour, assumption, belief, adoption and perception, we can cultivate ‘scientific temper’. Open mindedness, keen observation, critical thinking, suspended judgments, free from bias or superstitions are some of prerequisite for ‘Scientific temper’. Moreover, a strong desire for accurate knowledge, confidence procedures for seeking knowledge, the expectation that the solution of the problem will come through, and the use of verified knowledge are the ingredients of scientific attitudes.
“Science is universal and so can be its benefits; its material benefits are immense and, far reaching but even more profound is its contribution to culture.
It is distressing to note that science has not yet shed off its colonial hangover in India. It is yet to grapple with the real needs of our society. The essence of science and scientific temper tries to permeate the society by changing the human behaviour. Science mean to adopts a systematic approach to deal with all sorts of problems. It can be used to solve the problems pertaining to family, religion and every thing else. If we analyse our social and economic systems, we will find that these have developed in a most irrational manner. We witness that on the one side there is an abundance of production but on the other side there is an acute shortage of food grains.
The age-old way of talking and thinking still persists and it has become really very difficult to analyse and understand it fully. People argue time and again but there is no ultimate test of the truth or of their arguments; the matter remains to be solved in full. They were so busy in discussing the other world that they did not pay any attention to common things of the material world. Though untouchability the curse of the Indian society, has considerably diminished and the status of women has also marginally improved yet institutions like the caste system, irrational religious beliefs, superstition and fatalism still dominate the rural society. These problems pose the real challenge to scientific approach.
In the early days of science, there was much talk of conflict between religion and science. As the time passed, people realised that there is no real conflict true religion and science. It is hoped that the advancement of scientific knowledge would result in effacing, traditional beliefs, dogmas and superstitions from the society.
Belief in astrology is one of the most common fashion in India. As a result, in the thin guise of science, astrology flourishes. It not only caters to the needs of the elite but also becomes a roaring business. According to a statement issued by 186 internationally known scientists including 18 Nobel Prize winners, astrology is totally unscientific.
However, science is not necessarily the final, answer to all problems, scientists are human, and their knowledge is not perfect as well. Science belongs to all but people must understand the nature of science. Homi Bhabha observed, “establishing science as a live and vital force in society i an active, in separable part of the process of development”. Science has extended man’s menta1 horizon. It has not only influenced our basic values of life, but also provided a new vitality and a new dynamism to our civilization.
Another aspect of ‘scientific temper is - ‘the spirit of science’ means “not only accepting fresh truth that science may bring not only improving the  upset the old if it is against that spirit”. A person imbibed with scientific outlook or scientific attitude should have an open mind. Of course, open mind does not mean empty mind or blank mind. Mind is like a parachute which works only when it is opened.
“Science does not mean, simply sit down and pray for things to hap pen but to adopt a systematic way to find out- why things happen”. Inquisitive mind and spirit of learning provides a firm basis for scientific temper. Unfortunately, in our country, the spirit of questioning is not encouraged either in the class or at home, consequently there is widespread blind acceptance.