Many people are very disdainful of the so-called “anti-science cultural figures.” There is a very simple piece of logic: those who are always shouting about opposing science are themselves enjoying technology, using computers to write articles, and in no way can they do without technology—so isn’t opposing technology horribly hypocritical?
This logic seems pretty reasonable? In fact, it is ridiculously childish.
To use an analogy: we depend on tap water every day, but if there is a problem with water quality, should we not point it out and criticize it? Could a water company use this logic—“You criticize tap water, but can you do without tap water? You’re enjoying our tap water while also scolding us; isn’t that hypocritical?”
Clearly, this logic does not hold water. Looked at the other way around, precisely because we cannot do without tap water, because our lives are so tightly bound up with it, we need all the more to reflect on it calmly, investigate it, and question it; once something goes wrong with it, we need all the more to be highly vigilant.
Technology is the same for us. If we feel technology is bad, but could easily keep away from it, then it would be like being able to switch easily to another water company when we are dissatisfied with one—there would be no need to take it so seriously. Precisely because in this era technology has already become an inseparable part of human life do we need all the more to be vigilant and reflective.
Note: Personally, I “reflect on” science and oppose scientism; I am not anti-science. But I also do not reject those who “resist” science, so long as they are roughly reasonable.
April 10, 2006
Translated from the Chinese original with AI assistance. The original text is authoritative.
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