Chapter 1.7 - Myth–Reality and science

Many changes have occurred and are occurring in the way the real world is comprehended by different people. These changes are reflected in the myths they cherish. These changes are meticulously studied by philosophers and social thinkers. They have especially intrigued the historians of sciences. A sense of reality in a culture is basic to any scientific pursuit by the followers of that culture. Such a pursuit began with the earliest philosophical inquiries into the origin, growth and nature of the world. It would perhaps look a little farfetched to identify the images and concepts of the modern world with the myths of yore. Still for somebody who can delve deep into the origin of certain things, there will be some, albeit vague, parallels between science and myths. But one can easily assert that there is a mythological dimension to science.

The functions of models in the various branches of science resemble that of myths as paradigms or patterns of the human world. Modern science did not evolve in its entirety as a revolt against myth. It did not even throw off the shackles and manacles of myth at its very genesis. Many thinkers argued and argue convincingly for a mythological dimension to all sciences. In this perspective, myths are taken for granted when inquisitive thoughts engender. Science has also certain limits. It can’t explain everything. Mythologies do not need reasonable or scientific explanation and therefore they have unlimited freedom and the believers find solace in them as science can’t supply them with reasons or logic for many of the phenomena they encounter.