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'The flight from science is worrying - it seems we can't have rational discourse'
Dec 4 2006
Sam Burson, Western Mail
A LEADING Welsh theologian warned yesterday that superstition is replacing science in modern society.
Professor Tom O' Laughlin claims there is a lack of rational discourse on science because playing on emotions is an easier task.
The Lampeter University professor's comments come as a report due out this week calls for more respect for science.
Prof O' Laughlin suggests we need more calm Mr Spocks and less hysterical Dr McCoys when it comes to discussing emotive issues, such as vivisection, embryonic research and nuclear energy.
He was referring to the iconic emotionless Vulcan and the fiery human who famously bickered in the Star Trek TV series and films.
The Policy Exchange, a leading UK think-tank, is this week launching its Science vs Superstition report.
It calls for an end to "Neo-Luddism" and claims too much fear surrounds science, when it should be held up as a way forward.
The paper argues that demonstrations against controversial scientific practices are harming the future of Britain and that science needs to be embraced for the good of the country.
The Policy Exchange says science itself must be examined so people can realise its benefits, rather than be in fear of the possibilities it creates.
A statement by the group of academics making up the organisation said, "While many people seem to lack the vision of a genuinely better future, the authors of this collection of essays believe that it is time to make the case for a more positive attitude towards the future - a future that is made better through science."
The publication deals with subjects including vivisection, nuclear power, GM crops, embryonic stem-cell research and research ethics committees.
Speaking ahead of the launch on Wednesday, Policy Exchange Director Nicholas Boles said, "Science vs superstition emerged out of the debate about vivisection in Oxford when one young man had the courage to take on the extreme element of the animal-rights movement.
"Too often, in today's society, science is seen as an enemy.
"On the contrary, science is our ally in efforts to deal with the big global issues of the 21st century - such as climate change, energy security, famine and disease.
"The UK has a record of scientific achievement to be proud of.
"If our position at the forefront of invention and innovation is to be preserved, it requires politicians of all parties to argue the case for science and provide a safe and liberal climate for our scientists to pursue new technologies."
Prof O'Laghlin said a balance needs to be restored so less heated debate on such issues can take place.
He said, "There are tensions which are bad but also tensions which are very good.
"In Star Trek, there was the cool of Mr Spock and the folly of Dr McCoy.
"One of the good things was that the captain needed them both for advice.
"The challenge for the scientist is to take an interest in human needs and realise people are not all scientists who are just doing other things.
"The challenge for people frightened of science is to realise that, if you give up on it, you really have to go and live on Bardsey Island and not phone anybody.
"There would be something wrong about someone who wants to use a mobile phone and says science is rubbish.
"But there would also be something sad about a scientist who says he can communicate with e-mail, so doesn't need to meet anyone."
But he fears the pendulum has swung too far away from rationality to emotion and added, "The flight from science is a worrying phenomenon.
"It seems that we can't engage in a rational discourse."
And he fears the trend is now irreversible, adding, "I think it (the future) is going to go along the route of superstition.
"I don't think, at the moment, there's an environment of rational discourse - not because people dislike science but because it's easier to be irrational.
"The Americans have elected a president who can't even say the word 'nuclear'.
"At the moment, I don't see us coming back to a balance.
"We're going to become rather more reactionary in our opinions rather than having rational discourse.
"Politicians don't like to play up big ideas but play up fears because it's easier."