by V R Rutledge

Created on: July 11, 2008

When science was in its infancy, ideology was thousands of years old. Science was supposed to be the opposite of ideology, something to put the world in a 'rational perspective'. Scientists were supposed to be men of rational thought, who would measure the universe and everything in it, thus putting an end to blind faith'. That was then, this is now.

Science has reached a level at which it is becoming increasingly apparent that the conclusions of scientists have far reaching philosophical ramifications. Mathematicians are facing the possibility that God may exists in the calculations they make. Physicists are seeking a unification of theories that will either make God a certainty or an impossibility. Life itself is being sought under the microscope. Every facet of existence is being explored in the realm of science, with startling and, perhaps, ominous results.

What do we believe if science prove that violence and bigotry are caused by genes that may be removed or suppressed? Can we be as certain of our philosophy if we learn that color, intelligence, physical prowess and any other trait can be engineered in the laboratory? What if Science learn to modify genetic structures in adult creatures? These questions belong in a discussion of ethics as much as science. I have not even touched on the traits that conventional religion condemns. Homosexuality, criminal intent, sexual predation and other activity that is considered illegal, immoral or just unethical may be controlled genetically. We will have to blend science and ideology into a coherent structure to be able to decide what science is allowed to do, from among the choices it will provide.

If ideology be considered the body of doctrines, myths, beliefs, and the like, that guides an individual, social movement, institution, class, or large group, then we must add science to the mix. When you are directing a social movement by some political and/or social plan, such as fascism, communism or socialism and guiding the devices for implementing such plans, you must deal with science. We are past the point of being able to discuss social order and racial characteristics without considering the scientific data and realistically examining any ideological premise with respect to its scientific merit. We have begun to know things that past generations could only accept on faith.

The set of common values and beliefs shared by most people in a given society has been referred to as the dominant ideology. When these

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