Is Something Considered a Science but Isn’t?
The word 'science' etymologically encompasses all knowledge. It includes not just the physical and natural sciences but also fields that combine human wisdom and intuition. However, there remains a challenge in identifying an entity that is not universally recognized as science. Let's explore some examples and why certain fields might be classified as science or not.
Languages and Grammar: The Science of Languages
Consider 'language teaching'. Language, as something that evolves through complex rules of grammar and spelling, aligns closely with scientific principles. Grammar, much like the laws in physics, is non-negotiable in making a coherent and meaningful sentence. Similarly, the language of mathematics, despite its abstract nature, is built on a finite set generating infinite possibilities. Nine numbers and four operations can produce all of mathematics. Likewise, 26 letters of the alphabet can generate an infinite number of words and phrases, which are governed by the operating system of grammar. So, when we speak of the language of a language, it is indeed a form of science.
Architecture and the Energy of Temples
When builders choose a location for a temple, they take into account not just physical and aesthetic factors, but also subtle energy fields. For instance, the heart of the temple, the center where the main deity is placed, is known as the Garbhagriha or Moolsthana. Here, energies such as magnetic waves are believed to be abundant. After placing the deity, engineers perform the Pran Pratistha, bringing the deity to life through ceremony. In this process, they often bury copper plates beneath the deity, inscribed with sacred scripts. These plates absorb and radiate magnetic waves, impacting the environment positively. When visitors walk around the deity, they benefit from the positive energy, promoting health.
Potential of Fields Outside Traditional Science
Some fields, like psychology, metaphysics, and humanities such as economics, are often debated regarding their classification as science. Traditionally, these fields have been more intuitive and less concrete. The best minds in history, like Sir Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, and Werner Heisenberg, have delved into the most tangible aspects of the universe, applying precise scientific methods. However, for fields like economics, significant efforts have not been made to establish near-concrete rules as in physics. The outcomes in these fields are less predictable and less testable in a controlled environment, often relying on human behavior and subjective interpretations.
Even fields such as theology or metaphysics, which often deal with the abstract and the spiritual, can be approached scientifically. By closely examining the principles and empirical data, one can derive concrete rules and principles. For instance, some aspects of psychology have seen scientific methodologies applied to understanding human behavior. Economics, when studied descriptively and mathematically, can become more scientific in nature. Once concrete rules and empirical data become inherent in a field, it can transition from a less empirical to a more scientific state.
Concluding Thoughts
While certain fields may not yet be fully integrated into the scientific canon, they can be approached with a more rigorous and empirical approach. As our understanding of the world deepens and our methodologies improve, more and more aspects of these fields can be categorized as science. The key is to apply scientific methods rigorously and to seek empirical evidence, rather than relying solely on intuition and anecdotal observations.