On the Path of Uncertainty: Science or Religion?

You are probably one of those who frequently come across comparisons like science vs. religion or science vs. pseudoscience. The inspiration for writing this piece came from the opinions and discussions on similar topics by Prof. Dr. Celal Şengör, who is highly respected and admired by many of us, including myself, in both Turkey and Azerbaijan. Despite the fact that, in the words of Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, I consider me as "semi-ignorant" or even "very semi-ignorant" in the face of his knowledge and intelligence, I would like to share my perspective on this subject from my narrow viewpoint.

I believe that if the question before us is a matter of choice or comparison, it is important to determine precisely on what basis and from which perspective we should make that comparison. In this discussion, I will evaluate the concept of uncertainty as a basis for the comparison between religion and science.

For this, I would first like to clarify what exactly I mean when I refer to uncertainty, science, and religion.

Uncertainty

Qeyri-müəyyənlik (AZ) • Belirsizlik (TR) • Uncertainty (EN) • Неопределённость (RU)

Uncertainty is defined in various languages as something with indeterminate boundaries(Türk Dil Kurumu Sözlükleri, n.d.), not clarified, not defined(Ожегов & Шведова, 1952), or unclear, a condition, or a situation (Orucov, Abdullayev, Abdullayev, et al., 2006; Uncertainty, n., 2023). Uncertainty can also be expressed as something dependent on chance or accident (Uncertain, Adj., 2023). For my part, I consider uncertainty as a condition that is only partially clear, a vague state, as well as a reality.

Məchul (AZ) • Bilinmeyen (TR) • Unknown (EN) • Неизвестный (RU)

Here, to avoid confusion with uncertainty, I feel the need to distinguish another concept – the unknown. While in various sources, the unknown and uncertainty are sometimes expressed with the same or similar meanings, I see a difference here. In the way I will discuss in this article, if uncertainty is considered a state that is partially clear, partially known, and vague, then the unknown refers to something that is completely unknown, entirely unfamiliar, and something we have no knowledge of.

In summary, if we consider light as clarity and darkness as the absence of light, then the unknown is darkness, while the truth lies in twilight.

"The Maillis Way" by Matt Porteous & Crystal Dinosaur

Science

Elm (AZ) • Bilim (TR) • Science (EN) • Наука (RU)

When looking at the definition of the word "science" in four different languages, I see that it is primarily a system and represents knowledge (Orucov, Abdullayev, Rəhimzadə, et al., 2006a; SCIENCE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.Com, n.d.; Science Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster, n.d.; Türk Dil Kurumu Sözlükleri, n.d.; Ожегов & Шведова, 1952).

Science places importance on obtaining knowledge through the scientific method. The scientific method or approach is described as a way of using unbiased observation to form and test beliefs (Mitchell & Jolley, 2013). In other words, science tests ideas formed based on impartial, objective observation, either confirming or disproving them, and ultimately shares the findings with the public. When talking about "forming beliefs," I want to emphasize that this refers to measurable, testable, and falsifiable theories, or as Stanovich puts it, solvable problems (Stanovich, 2013). For example, it should be noted that many of Sigmund Freud's ideas are not considered scientific theories or approached cautiously in scientific psychology because they lack these particular characteristics.

Thus, the scientific approach does not accept an idea (in other words, a thought, claim, or theory) as a fact unless it is proven. If any idea cannot be measured, science still does not accept it as a scientific idea. In the scientific approach, the ability to prove the existence or non-existence of something is considered essential. The scientific approach operates on curiosity and skepticism, relying on evidence-based knowledge.

In this comparison, I will not refer to science as an institutionalized system or scientific organization, but rather focus on the approach it takes in viewing events—the scientific approach.

Religion

Din (AZ) • Din (TR) • Religion (EN) • Религия (RU)

Similarly, if we look at the definition of the word "religion" in various sources, we find that Russian and Azerbaijani sources describe religion as a form of "social consciousness" (Orucov, Abdullayev, Rəhimzadə, et al., 2006b; Ожегов & Шведова, 1952). While all of these sources also suggest that religion is an institutionalized system (Orucov, Abdullayev, Rəhimzadə, et al., 2006b; “Religion, n.,” 2023; Türk Dil Kurumu Sözlükleri, n.d.; Ожегов & Шведова, 1952). Here, I see one of the common features between religion and science: their institutionalized and organized nature.

Another notable aspect is how religion systematizes belief in, obedience to, and reverence for superhuman powers (Orucov, Abdullayev, Rəhimzadə, et al., 2006b; “Religion, n.,” 2023; Türk Dil Kurumu Sözlükleri, n.d.; Ожегов & Шведова, 1952). Here, I interpret obedience to, and reverence not as adoration or humiliation oneself in front of someone, but rather as acceptance.

Let’s acknowledge that religion is a topic so deep and broad that it can extend beyond the scope of this article. Therefore, in this writing, I will approach religion, much like science, not as an institution or as an evaluation of different religious beliefs (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, etc.), but rather as a perspective focused on belief, which is a key element of religion. The aspect (or variable) that I will refer to as the religious approach reflects a viewpoint that simply accepts and does not require evidence to believe.

"The Long Journey II" by Kevin Krautgartner

Is Celal Şengör wrong?

I sometimes find it difficult to distinguish whether Şengör is criticizing religious belief, the human desire to believe, or religion as an organized entity or institution in his statements.

However, based on his lecture titled "Birbirini yalanlayan inançlarla bilim yapılabilir mi?" (Can science be done with contradictory beliefs?), I understand that he is more focused on analyzing approaches and methods. In the same lecture, by explaining religion's ability to offer explanations and regulate social behavior, Şengör also differentiates between religion as an approach and religion as an institution. We see that in his lecture, he not only compares scientific and religious approaches but also examines other approaches, such as philosophy (Celal Şengör - Birbirini Yalanlayan İnançlarla Bilim Yapılabilir Mi? - YouTube, n.d.; CELAL ŞENGÖR - DİN NEDİR? - YouTube, n.d.; Celal Şengör - Din Ve Bilim | Birbiriyle Çelişen Fikirlerle Evren Tasvir Edilebilir Mi? - YouTube, n.d.).

In another discussion, I view Şengör's participation as a mistake or a waste of time. I see a contradiction between Şengör’s logical reasoning expressed on various platforms and his participation in debates that could potentially provoke a conflict between religion and science. For example, during one debate, when a participant started his question with " If what we say is true, considering what we say is the actually truth itself, ..." Şengör’s response is “then there is no need for a discussion!”. While I see this as a correct response, his continued participation in the discussion seems to me to be inconsistent with or just a waste of time. Additionally, I find it ironic that the title of the program in which we see a supposed confrontation between religion and science is "Political Arena" (“Siyaset Meydani” Din, Bilim ve Darwin (TV Episode 2009) - IMDb, n.d.).

Therefore, I certainly agree with Celal Şengör's views. However, I find it difficult to understand what he wants to achieve with his activities in this matter.

Həqiqət (AZ) • Gerçek (TR) • Truth (EN) • Истина (RU) 

Science or Religion?

To be more precise, from the perspective of dealing with uncertainty, which approach is preferable: the scientific approach or the religious approach? Trusting in knowledge that is validated by evidence (or testing) or believing without the need for evidence?

Taking all of this into account, my conclusions are as follows:

• Belief (idea) as the foundation of science. When examining the classification of science, we also become familiar with the working mechanism of the scientific approach. For an idea to be accepted as a fact, the scientific approach first requires a belief or an idea. The difference is that, unlike religious belief or religious ideas, science demands that the belief be measurable. In other words, if an idea is measurable, it is fundamental to science.

• Not every belief (idea) can serve as a foundation for science, and not every belief is accepted scientifically. Saying that something is "not accepted scientifically" does not mean that science rejects or refutes that belief or idea. It means that science neither confirms nor denies it.

"I Want to Believe" by Mauro Lourenço

• Belief as a need. The human need to believe cannot be denied. People struggle to exist in a constant state of doubt. Since uncertainty exceeds an individual's ability to manage it, a defense mechanism activates in human psychology. Belief is one of these defense mechanisms. Therefore, belief, obedience, or reverence, which involves unconditional devotion to some idea, is not an event to be demeaned or exalted, but rather a part of reality as a human nature.

• Belief as a necessity. Faith and acceptance a superhuman power, or in other words, belief and acceptance, is a necessity for humans. It is an effort to avoid arrogance, as I understand it. For example, a person who tries to control everything in his life and willing to be prepared for every possibility hopes to achieve the goal through only his own efforts. This expectation, however, contradicts the natural flow of life and leads to the mistaken belief in a superhuman power. In this sample, he should better believe and accept the reality that he is not a supernatural himself. Otherwise, a he tortures only himself. When a person lacks the strength to cope, he is obliged to surrender and choose to believe. This compulsion is a law of nature, as it is a part of reality.

• Fair comparison. In relation to uncertainty, both science and religion should be evaluated on two distinct levels—as institutions and as approaches. For example, the American Psychological Association (APA) and the British Psychological Society (BPS) are two separate scientific institutions within the field of psychology. Similarly, the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church are two separate religious institutions. Here, comparing a religious approach (faith) with BPS (an institution) or a scientific approach (skepticism) with the Orthodox Church (an institution) are not concepts that can be directly compared.

• Who is interacted with the Truth? In this discussion, the fact that it is a human being interacted with uncertainty cannot be overlooked. In relation to uncertainty (which, as I previously mentioned, is also a part of reality), although the scientific approach may be closer to the truth, the human factor searching for reality makes the religious approach just as necessary as the scientific one. An artificial intelligence can measure and apply the scientific method indefinitely with far greater capacity than a human. However, what separates a human from artificial intelligence is also the possession of emotions, which indicates that the scientific approach alone may not be sufficient for a human.

• Eternal path. Reality is already infinite. While science strives to define reality, or uncertainty, as best as it can, uncertainty continually presents us with new questions. If once the eruption of a volcano was an uncertainty for humans, learning about it brings us a step closer to understanding the reality of life. Today, phenomena like black holes in the cosmos or any other new entities still need to be defined. In this infinity where perhaps we can never reach the end of learning and must eventually come to a stop, the important question that interests me is how far we want to go, actually.

Conclusion

In this writing, I aimed to approach it not only as someone who believes and doubts, but also as someone who experiences a wide range of emotions a human may experience — love, respect, astonishment, anger, fear, sadness, and many others. Comparisons such as science vs. religion, war vs. peace, and male vs. female are indicators of polarization and, in themselves, are a denial of truth. I believe that life is not black and white butbut is vibrant with many shades.

Finally, I would like to end this article with those mysterious words of the 14th century poet Nasimi, revived in Sami Yusuf's performance.

"Two worlds within me fit, existing side by side,Yet narrow is for me this world where I abide." (Nesimi)

I hope, you enjoyed reading it as well as I enjoyed writing.

Stay aligned with truth, Məlahət Hacıyeva.

Ədəbiyyat siyahısı

• Celal Şengör - Birbirini Yalanlayan İnançlarla Bilim Yapılabilir mi? - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4dPPqXfksY

• CELAL ŞENGÖR - DİN NEDİR? - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGar7AxVTaU&t=289s

• Celal Şengör - Din Ve Bilim | Birbiriyle Çelişen Fikirlerle Evren Tasvir Edilebilir mi? - YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9grclzIrTdE

• Mitchell, M. L. ., & Jolley, J. M. . (2013). Research design explained. Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

• Orucov, Ə. Ə.., Abdullayev, B. T. ., Rəhimzadə, N., & Axundov, Ağamusa. (2006a). Azərbaycan dilinin izahlı lüğəti: dörd cilddə. II Cild (Vol. 2). Şərq-Qərb.

• Orucov, Ə. Ə., Abdullayev, B. T., Abdullayev, B. T., & Abdullayev, B. T. (2006). Azərbaycan dilinin izahlı lüğəti: dörd cilddə. III Cild (Vol. 3). Şərq-Qərb.

• Orucov, Ə. Ə., Abdullayev, B. T., Rəhimzadə, N., & Axundov, Ağamusa. (2006b). Azərbaycan dilinin izahlı lüğəti: dörd cilddə. I Cild (Vol. 1). Şərq-Qərb.

• Religion Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Retrieved August 23, 2024, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion

• SCIENCE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved August 23, 2024, from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/science

• Science Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Retrieved August 23, 2024, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/science

• “Siyaset Meydani” Din, Bilim ve Darwin (TV Episode 2009) - IMDb. (n.d.). Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33247699/

• Stanovich, K. E. . (2013). How to think straight about psychology (10th ed.). Pearson.

• Türk Dil Kurumu Sözlükleri. (n.d.). Retrieved August 23, 2024, from https://sozluk.gov.tr/

• uncertain, adj. (2023, July 20). Oxford English Dictionary; Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/7108687544

• uncertainty, n. (2023, March 2). Oxford English Dictionary; Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/1072113979

• Ожегов, С. И., & Шведова, Н. Ю. (1952). Толковый словарь русского языка.