Wednesday 12 June 2013

Conversations #1: Scientificity of the Spiritual

"The danger is not in the evil that lurks behind the shadows. The danger is, in fact, not knowing what seeks to harm you."

The professor's statement made Jonathan a little uneasy. All his life, he had heard about cultures and religions around the world that believed in the existence of an immaterial realm within the material one. A realm denizened by beings of superior power and intellect. A realm where the fates of men were determined. Jonathan knew of mythologies which tell of evil beings which slither unseen through human affairs; causing harm and wreaking havoc without restraint and human recognition. He thought they were all inane, nonsensical, based on primitive perceptions and ancient unscientific ideology. But for Professor Adam, a maven in the world of science, to push away science and affirm the existence of a spiritual world, Jonathan did not know what to believe anymore.

"Professor, are you saying that the science which you and I know of is false, and the forces of this spiritual world you allege to exist are the determinants of the natural events that take place within this world?" Paul, one of the six students asked. 
They were having a conversation with Professor Adam in his office. It had sparked off from the topic of the law of vibration. This was the 5th session of academic arguments Professor Adam was having with those same students; although Jonathan was a new face to the clique.

"What is your name again? I keep forgetting." The Professor calmly asked.

"It's Paul, sir." 

"Ah, yes, Paul. Can you define a system for me, Paul?" 

The young man quizzically looked to his left at Jonathan and turned back to face the Professor. He thought the Professor was trying to prevaricate.

"Uhm, a system is a set of connected things which work together to form a whole."

"Well done! Now, isn't your body comprised of systems?" Asked the Professor. A slight smile pushed his grey moustache upwards. His face seemed to smoothen as he spoke. 
Paul nodded his head in agreement.

"Your respiratory system works on its own, but contributes and connects to your muscular system which also connects to the nervous system, and so on. Likewise, the entire universe comprises of multifarious systems, connected to each other at certain points. All these systems are necessary for the universe to exist. From the system of energy conversion to the system of life formation, all these are connected to each other. Now, because certain individuals do not recognise the fact that not all of these systems are known to them, they conjecture no other sytem exists apart from the ones they are cognizant of. Therefore, the elements of modern science known to you and I are not false, but are only a component of larger elements within a system of infinite systems. 

At this time the Professor's front teeth were visible from his smile. It was apparent that he was enjoying his monologue. The room remained quiet for a short while until the Professor arose from his chair.

"I really enjoyed this conversation, and I implore you, always think beyond the purview of established laws of logic; for is it not by thinking beyond them that men of science created more laws?"

All the students also stood up to leave the Professor's office.