Letter: Scientific rationalism harms, as well as helps, our world
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: The self-righteousness of Steve Connor's open letter to Sister Marie Gabriel (14 July) is rivalled only by that of the dear Sister herself. So 'scientific rationalism' is our salvation from fear and ignorance. Well, with the continuing poverty and countless wars, you could have fooled me.
And scientific understanding shows us that the universe is far more complicated than we can ever imagine. So what? Does that knowledge teach me how to live? Does scientific rationalism show me how to love and care for myself, my family, my community, my enemies, even? I think not; for this I need a faculty that is deeper than mere knowledge. I need wisdom.
Deranged and simplistic as it may sound, Sister Marie Gabriel's message is not so far removed from what ecologists and other scientists have been telling us for decades: unless we get our act together fairly soon, it's curtains for us. Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 will probably come and go, but that doesn't mean the danger will have passed.
To paraphrase Socrates, whether the City of God has existed, or ever will exist, on Earth is of no matter. But I must live after the manner of such a city and, in so doing, put my own house in order. I leave Sister Marie Gabriel and Mr Connor to do the same.
Yours faithfully
JOSEPH BRAY
Consultant Psychiatrist
Dunfermline, Fife
14 July
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments