Science and the Ocean of Truth

I admire Stephen Hawking. He's not some actor or some singer but a scientist(a physicist and a cosmologist, to be specific). While amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has made him a prisoner in his own body, the disease has left his intellect free to roam. And roam it does... from the infinitesimal to the infinite, from the subatomic realm to the far reaches of the universe. His struggle with the disease is a metaphor for the scientific process--man, naturally inquisitive and bound by maddening restrictions, always finds ways to explore the world around him.

Just like other scientists, Stephen is an atheist. I don't find that appalling(since I myself, am an atheist) but what's appalling is the fact that he and some other scientists trashed philosophy. Science and Philosophy are different studies, both esoteric yet tantalizing. Scientists search for facts--positive knowledge about the physical universe. Philosophers, on the other hand, search for the truth--principles underlying all knowledge, being and reality. To declare Science as the universal "TRUTH" would be megalomania and forcing people believe in such would be proselytism.

Why am I saying all these? Because I'm tired of people who try to tell me that Science is the answer to everything. I'm tired of defending my principles to people who claim they don't "proselytize" when the very act of trashing my principles and claiming that theirs is right and that I should believe in them too is itself, proselytizing. Same goes for religious fanatics but religious fanatics aren't that scary. After all, they are expected to make "converts" but scientific megalomania is scary. I love Science and at the same time, Philosophy. I don't want to part with either for the other.

After all these, you might think I don't admire Stephen anymore and have developed an abhorrence for scientists. I still admire Stephen and I still respect scientists. Stephen's courage and humor despite his illness is itself, admirable. His intelligence--his claim to fame, is another thing that's worthy of praise. After all, he wasn't distinguished as a student...definitely an inspiration to someone like me.