It's a most peculiar psychology–this business of 'Science is based on faith too, so there! ' Typically this is said by people who claim that faith is a good thing. Then why do they say 'Science is based on faith too! ' in that angry-triumphal tone, rather than as a compliment? And a rather dangerous compliment to give, one would think, from their perspective. If science is based on 'faith', then science is of the same kind as religion–directly comparable. If science is a religion, it is the religion that heals the sick and reveals the secrets of the stars. It would make sense to say, 'The priests of science can blatantly, publicly, verifiably walk on the Moon as a faith-based miracle, and your priests' faith can't do the same.' Are you sure you wish to go there, oh faithist? Perhaps, on further reflection, you would prefer to retract this whole business of 'Science is a religion too! .Eliezer Yudkowsky
About This Quote
Science is no different from the rituals of religion. If you believe that science is wrong then it will not be long before you find yourself repeating its mistakes. The concept of faith is an important part of both science and religion. Faith is the belief in something which cannot be proven.
Faith is the power to believe in something, even if some evidence contradicts your faith. Faith can be either blind or powerful, but either way it is important for understanding the world around us.
Source: The Less Wrong Sequences
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