Are we undermining our scientific temper? (Three perspectives)

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 Are we undermining our scientific temper? (Three perspectives)

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• Are we undermining our scientific temper?
• YES, WE ARE :

1. The Indian Science Congress meeting : Disgraceful remarks that are unscientific in nature were dished out at ISC 2019 also.
2. Rational research : The ISC is a forum for rational research. In an era where most education institutes discourage learning let alone research, ISC is a forum for mutual affirmation of work for scientists.
3. Scientific temper : The British knew that this sprit can undermine their rule itself, and kept everyone subservient. It was post-1947 that a scientific temper was encouraged.
4. A fundamental duty : It became part of our 11 fundamental duties as well, in Part IV A of the constitution.
5. Scientific temper for Nehru : It was not about studying science necessarily, but a way of thinking, to break superstitions, and usher in rationality.
6. Vision of the giants : Our leaders in freedom struggle had a great vision, but that has been lost in a morass of  mediocrity. Nearly everyone is supersititious!
7. God Men galore : Several of these God Men now cater to the middle class spreading messages that are laughable.
8. China versus India : As the Chinese race ahead of us, we are dangerously looking to the past for redemption - a  bad idea.
9. Inadequate funding : That being the case, the management of science becomes tough. Governments change, and  facts in courseware change as well. Only lonely voices in wilderness can now be heard.

• NO, WE ARE NOT.

1. All PMs have been scientific : From Nehru to Modi, all our PMs have had a scientific mindset. They know that's the way to benefit the common man. 
2. Nehru's vision : He had said an emphasis on science is needed because it will ultimately show results, even though in the short run it may not. 
3. Second PM Shastri ji : He gave the slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” highlighting the two core pillars (soldiers and farmers) of our nation.
4. Vajpayee : After the successful Pokhran nuclear tests, he said "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan". So science was added.
5. Modi's anusandhan : Mr Modi has added "Jai Anusandhan" to this slogan.
6. India in Top 10 : We are in top ten worldwide in scientific research. We have many indigenous research programmes. In space research, we are in top 6.
7. Apara and Para : The "Apara Vidya" is knowledge of intellect, and "Para Vidya" is higher knowledge, and both are embedded in Indian psyche.
8. Pseudo-intellectuals posing as scientists : We should never burden our puranas with scientific achievements. Both have their own destinies. Let us not forget Aryabhata.
9. Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam : We call for univeral harmony and coexistence. Indian science must be for humanity, and not seen through a religious prism.

• YES AND NO.
• Ambiguous question : What is meant by "scientific temper"? It may refer to a scientific mindset, but that can mean many things, depending on the domain being discussed. Social sciences are different from hard sciences like Physics and Chemistry. 
• Who is "We"? Is this term "We" related to all citizens of India? Then, why should everyone be forced to have a scientific temper? 
•  "Undermining" : Since we do not know who has a scientific temper, and who does not, how can we come to terms with what is being undermined!
• Human truths : These cannot be reduced to matters of arguments and evidence. If we do not have compassion and respect in human and cultural truths, then "scientific temper" loses some of its power.
• Public rationality : We need some codes of conduct here. Anger should have no place.
• Being dispassionate : We need to learn being dispassionate about our position during arguments. And then we have to accept the conclusion, at the end of a long rational argument, even if we do not like it. That would be rational public discourse.
• Larger public rationality more important : Dry scientific temper without compassion, and without humanitarian public rationality, has no meaning.

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