Science vs. Myth

The argument has been forwarded, now and in the future, that science is a “mythos” (likely by someone newly introduced to the term “mythos”). This statement is patently false, even moreso than at first glance.A “mythos” is defined as either: 1)Myth 2)Mythology or 3) The pattern of basic values and attitudes of a people, characteristically transmitted through myths and the arts.

If definitions 1 and 2 are the intended target for application, we can soundly refute the claim simply by the nature in which science is revealed, documented and maintained. Mythology relates to a system of beliefs handed down through the ages, with a definitive creation/origin myth and a hierarchy of celestial power manipulating the confusing world around us. This hierarchical power often culminates in a pantheon of Gods attributed to various natural functions. In a time before science, Mythology served to provide answers for our most pressing and difficult questions. And it serves the populace well as long as they are willing to maintain an open-ended mythology that embraces new observations.

In a very limited sense, and with poetic license, we may be obliged to call science a mythology. However, differences arise in several areas including the source of the information, the structure of power, and the motivations (even if subconscious) of mythology usage in pedagogy. Mythology, one sees after some study, is intended to serve the purpose of either propping up social institutions, regulating agricultural rituals/processes/traditions, or enforcing societal roles (i.e. hyping the ideals of heroic courage, romantic love etc). Therefore, while effective, no one would argue that mythology is intended to be true. It is a reflection of the society in which it exists.

Science, on the other hand, serves the truth as its only master. It has scrupulous guidelines for objectivity, for reproducibility, for conservative claims. Mythology is constructed much like a protracted game of telephone. Science never allows for these misgivings.

If, from the definition of mythos, definition 3 is the intended target the discrepancy is even more obvious. Whatever our lifestyles, the mainstream lifestyle in this nation (its values and attitudes) carries very few of the philosophical tenets of the scientific method. 70% of this country believes in the existence of angels, THAT is a mythos. A myth pasted together over time to appease the wary souls of the masses. To prop up the social roles of compassionate love and faith.

On the other hand, the periodic table can be used to predict and create an infinitum of experiments. Newtonian physics, while continuously updated with new facts, has taken us to the furthest reaches of the solar system. The theory of evolution plays neatly into every biological discovery and theory. If science is a mythos it will be the last mythos mankind ever needs and will, in time, take us to every corner of the universe and roundly refute every previous misconception we’ve ever had.