Scientific temper: A Fundamental Duty
Scientific temper: A Fundamental Duty Rational thinking and scientific truths will have disastrous consequences sometimes where authoritarian state and irrational society turn into serious enemies. The reason is lack of reasoned thinking. Greek philosopher Socrates was given death sentence, which he had to execute. There was a trial Socrates faced in 399 BC. Court was asked to determine the philosopher's guilt of two charges: one is: asebeia (=impiety, a criminal charge in ancient Greece for the "desecration and mockery of divine objects," for "irreverence towards the state gods" and disrespect towards parents and dead ancestors) against the pantheon of Athens. He was also charged with corruption of the youth of the city-state. They alleged that Socrates was "failing to acknowledge the gods that the city acknowledges" and "introducing new deities." ADVERTISEMENT His friends, followers, and students encouraged him to flee Athens, which happens...