In this chapter, I explore the two foundational pillars of truth-seeking: the scientific method and the Socratic elenchus.
The pursuit of truth is not just an intellectual exercise; it is a necessity in an age where science and technology drive much of our existence. In a powerful interview, Carl Sagan warned of the dangers of a society that relies heavily on science and technology yet remains largely ignorant of how these forces shape our world. He observed that pseudoscience, superstition, and fundamentalist zealotry have always existed. Still, in our current age, they pose an even greater threat due to the powerful role science plays in our daily lives. If the general public doesn’t understand science, Sagan argued, then who decides what kind of future we and our children will live in? These decisions fall into the hands of too few, and often, those few are unequipped to manage them.
This alarming reality is why embracing the twin pillars of truth is more important than ever: the scientific method and the Socratic elenchus. Sagan emphasized that science is more than a body of knowledge—it is a way of thinking, a method of skeptically interrogating the universe while remaining deeply aware of human fallibility. The same principle applies to the Socratic elenchus, which encourages rigorous questioning to expose contradictions and refine our beliefs. In both cases, the methods require us to challenge assumptions, question authority, and test ideas in the light of reason and evidence.
These methods are essential not just for experts but for all of us. As Sagan pointed out, if we don’t understand the forces that shape our world, we become vulnerable to the next charlatan—political, religious, or otherwise—who seeks to manipulate ignorance for their own ends. This ignorance, combined with the power of technology, forms what Sagan called a “combustible mixture” that could eventually blow up in our faces. In a democracy, where the people are supposed to hold power, this lack of understanding means that we risk being governed by those who are ill-informed or driven by ulterior motives.
The scientific method and the Socratic elenchus offer defenses against this vulnerability. They remind us that truth should be rigorously sought, not passively accepted. The scientific method demands empirical evidence, testing, and falsification, ensuring our understanding of the natural world is based on observable and measurable facts. The Socratic elenchus, on the other hand, encourages us to question our beliefs and engage in dialogue, exposing inconsistencies in our reasoning.
Both approaches also share a crucial feature: the recognition of human fallibility. As Carl Sagan stressed, being aware of our limitations is key to avoiding deception and self-deception. The scientific method acknowledges that no theory is final and that new evidence can always emerge to reshape our understanding. Similarly, the Socratic elenchus assumes that no belief is beyond question and that critical dialogue can continually refine our understanding.
Sagan’s warning is a call to action for all of us to become more engaged with the tools of truth-seeking. Whether we are scientists, philosophers, or simply citizens navigating the complexities of daily life, understanding and applying the principles of the scientific method and the Socratic elenchus is crucial. These methods help us make more informed decisions, avoid the pitfalls of false beliefs, and ultimately contribute to the collective advancement of knowledge.
In a world where misinformation, pseudoscience, and extremism can spread rapidly, it is no longer enough to say, “I’m not good at science” or “I don’t know much about philosophy.” As Sagan pointed out, a lack of understanding in these areas leaves us at the mercy of others who might make decisions that affect our lives in profound ways. By embracing the scientific method and the Socratic elenchus, we equip ourselves with knowledge and a mindset that is open, skeptical, and critically engaged.
These two pillars of truth are the foundation upon which our modern civilization rests. As Carl Sagan highlighted, they are essential for maintaining a society that can think for itself, ask the right questions, and, most importantly, challenge those in power. Without these methods, we risk losing our grip on truth and our ability to shape our future. In Sagan’s words, “Otherwise, we don’t run the government—the government runs us.” The stakes are high, and the tools for truth-seeking are within our grasp. It is up to us to use them.
Prophetic last interview | Carl Sagan (source)Two Pillars of Truth
- Introduction: Two Pillars of Truth The convergence of science and philosophy in the pursuit of knowledge
- The Scientific Method The backbone of modern science
- The Provisional Nature of Scientific Knowledge Understanding science as an ongoing process
- Understanding Scientific Terms Clarifying common misconceptions
- The Fallibility of Science Understanding the limits and strengths of science
- The Roots of the Scientific Method Exploring the history of the scientific method
- The Scientific Method for Everyday Life Thinking and decision-making beyond the lab
- Pseudoscience and Its Dangers Misinformation and its impact on society
- Recognising New Age Mumbo Jumbo Understanding and avoiding deceptive New Age ideas
- The Socratic Method A powerful tool for critical thinking
- The History of the Socratic Method The evolution and impact of Socratic dialogue
- The Socratic Elenchus A tool for intellectual discovery
- How Could We Be Wrong? Is a crucial question to ask in a conversation
- The Two Pillars of Truth How the scientific method and Socratic elenchus underpin civilization
- Conclusion: Two Pillars of Truth Critical thinking - a civic duty
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