Download REFLECTION PAPER - The Magician’s Twin C.S. Lewis and the Case Against Scientism

RAYA L. SORILLA
BSN-2A
REFLECTION PAPER
The Magician’s Twin: C.S. Lewis and the Case Against Scientism:
On the short video clip about The Magician’s Twin: C.S. Lewis and the Case Against Scientism, C.S.
Lewis observes that Magic and Science are twins. For me, this may seems weird at first because, when
we explore science, it is supposed to be the domain of reason, but magic is more dogmatic and
centered around superstition. Despite the evident distinctions between science and magic, Lewis
accurately recognized three crucial aspects in which they are uncannily similar.
The first similarity between science and magic according to Lewis is their ability to function as an
alternative religion. As explained in the video, many individuals regard science as a religion, and some
regard Charles Darwin as God who discovered the evolution of man, as it develops and evolves over
time. Many people participate in the various "Darwin Day" celebrations, Charles Darwin's birthday,
since they believe that science is our most reliable knowledge system. From a Christian perspective,
science as religion is merely questionable, I believe that science is just only supposed to be a
substantial discovery that can make a significant difference in our lives, but it is not something we
should worship.
According to Lewis, the second way science and magic are comparable is their fostering of credulity.
This may appear to be contrary to popular belief, because science is supposed to be logic and
evidence-based and promote critical thinking, whereas magic is meant to be based on acceptance of
supernatural claims in the name of superstitions. As stated in the movie, science encourages
credulous thinking because many people believe what others say as long as it is regarded as science.
People will accept every kind of explanation no matter how poorly grounded the facts as long as it
based on science. Thus, people who are engaged with science are being idolized, and in fact, they are
not contested to establish their credibility; their words alone are accepted without question and
taken as a fact. When it comes to skepticism and credulity, C.S. Lewis admits that science education is
poor, science is dangerously misunderstood in society, and people became puppet of science. I beg to
have a share-point with Lewis, that even if science is beneficial, scientism still exists within the field.
The third and most significant way science and magic are linked according to Lewis, it is driven by a
desire for power. Magic was more than just understanding the universe; it also entailed controlling it.
The great magician desired control over nature. Similarly, science has always been focused on
attempting to dominate nature rather than simply comprehending it. Science is far more dangerous
than magic since we cannot govern the world with magic in a realistic scenario. Science works, but
magic is now limited to the books of fairy tales. Science cures diseases. Science increases food
production. Everywhere you look, science is there; we cannot live without it because we rely on it
almost every day. It governs our daily lives; everything we do is accompanied by science; it makes our
lives easier, therefore we choose to rely on it. I realized how science had blinded certain people. For
me, science is a tremendously powerful discipline that can both save and destroy humanity, but it
depends on how humans use science in their lives that matters.
In conclusion, C.S Lewis did not specifically criticize science, but rather the concept of scientism, which
has an objective interpretation that might corrupt people's minds and solely pursue science for
dominion over the world. He was opposed to the concept of scientism since it is the dogmatic
application of science that can have a societal impact. Moreover, it is basically veils someone's
reasoning so that they only believe what science says. Science does not always reveal the truth.
Science does not come without flaws. I believe in science since it provides hard facts about the
universe; but, after watching the short video clip, I was curious by how scientism could influence our
environment. Yes, science is extremely advantageous to us, especially in the 21 st century, and to the
current global crisis brought on by the COVID-19. But on the other hand, scientism is dangerous in
most ways, which is why C.S. Lewis created this work to remind and demonstrate how science may
manipulate our society.