What is Science?
The concept of science is highly complex and ever-evolving, having been the subject of philosophical, societal, and cultural debates for centuries. According to the interpretation of Zhang Shuangnan, a scientist, the purpose of science is to discover various laws and regularities, whether they are natural, psychological, or social. Scientific research generally involves the application of logical and empirical methods, but in different scientific disciplines, particularly in the humanities, these methods often do not fit perfectly. This raises the question: what exactly is science, what are its boundaries and goals, and how can one create a unified definition for it?
Wu Guosheng, a professor of the history of science, similarly rejects a single, clear-cut definition of science and instead aims to highlight its essence through different aspects. Ancient Greek science was built upon deep philosophical aspirations aimed at attaining inner certainty and knowledge, while modern science has shifted its emphasis to objectivity and practical applicability. The ancient thirst for knowledge, which sought human freedom and self-awareness, has transformed over time, losing its original, idealized meaning.
Thus, science is a dynamic and historically contextual concept that is continuously reinterpreted by each era. In the Middle Ages, for example, science was closely linked to theology, while during the Enlightenment it gradually became independent of religious dogmas, giving birth to the modern scientific method that continues to define Western thought today. The goal of science has consistently been to explore the unknown and expand the boundaries of human knowledge, although the tools and approaches used to achieve this goal have constantly evolved.
The Limits of Natural Science
Natural science plays an essential role in understanding the world around us, but this understanding necessarily comes with limitations. According to Kant's philosophy, the world perceived by human senses is merely the "world of phenomena," as opposed to the "thing-in-itself." This means that natural science is capable of knowing and describing phenomena but cannot reach the deeper, transcendental essence of reality. The limitations of the scientific method and the finite capacity of human senses highlight that certain truths remain inaccessible to us. Thus, natural science cannot provide a universal answer to every question.
Modern physics, particularly quantum mechanics, raises numerous questions that significantly challenge the traditional, classical understanding of reality. Quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement fundamentally question the stability and validity of causal relationships upon which classical scientific understanding is built. These phenomena suggest that the universe is far more complex and less intuitive than what we can assume based on our everyday experiences.
Einstein's theory of relativity also revolutionized the concepts of space and time. The relativity of space and time revealed that these are not absolute concepts but are dynamically interconnected with each other and with the observer's perspective. This new understanding not only expanded our view of reality but also demonstrated that natural science can lead only to partial understanding. Therefore, the complete comprehension of reality still lies beyond the scope of human scientific research.
Yin-Yang and the Five Elements Theory: An Ancient Key
The Chinese Yin-Yang and Five Elements theory forms one of the most important cornerstones of Chinese philosophical thought. Yin and Yang represent two opposing yet complementary forces of the universe, manifesting in all phenomena of the natural and social world. The Five Elements – metal, wood, water, fire, and earth – symbolize different aspects of the universe, and their mutual interactions shape all areas of life.
The Five Elements theory is not merely a philosophical concept; it is closely linked to Chinese culture, including medicine, the arts, and social structures. In traditional Chinese medicine, the principle of the Five Elements serves to understand the relationships between the human body and its environment. To achieve harmony, the human body and its environment must be kept in balance, and restoring equilibrium is crucial for preventing and treating illnesses.
The Yin-Yang theory extends to all aspects of life and forms the foundation of Chinese medicine. Health depends on the balance of Yin and Yang, and any disturbance in this balance can lead to disease. The relationships between the Five Elements, which support or inhibit each other – such as wood feeding fire, fire creating earth, earth producing metal, metal aiding water, and water nourishing wood – are not merely philosophical speculations but also carry practical significance across various areas of Chinese culture, including medicine, architecture, and the arts.
Science, Truth, and Traditional Chinese Thought
The differences between Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine reflect the fundamentally different worldview approaches of the two cultures. While Western medicine applies a reductionist perspective, breaking the body down into parts and examining them individually, Chinese medicine follows a holistic approach that considers the entire human body and its relationship with nature and the cosmos as a whole.
The foundation of Chinese medicine lies in the balance of Yin and Yang and the interaction of the Five Elements, which aim to achieve harmony among physical, mental, and spiritual health. The concept of health does not merely mean the absence of disease but also includes the harmony between humans, nature, and society. This notion is deeply embedded in Chinese culture and is reflected in everyday life, such as in diet, movement, and meditation.
This leads to the question: is scientific truth the only possible path to seeking the truth? The reductionist approach of Western science, which breaks the world into parts and examines them using empirical methods, is only one way of understanding reality. The holistic perspective of Chinese thought, which treats the world and human experiences as a unified whole, offers another valid approach that may provide alternative perspectives for understanding the nature of reality.
Natural Science: A Useful Tool, Not Absolute Truth
The value of natural science lies in its ability to serve as a tool for exploring the world, but we must not forget its inherent limitations. Scientific truth is pragmatic; it is considered true as long as the results explain the observed phenomena and provide predictions. However, throughout the history of science, many theories once accepted as unquestionable truths have later been modified or entirely overturned. This shows that scientific truths are transitional milestones rather than definitive answers.
Recognizing the limitations of natural science warns us against falling into uncritical reverence, which may hinder the acceptance of other approaches and methods of thought. As suggested by the Yin-Yang and Five Elements theories, there are dimensions of human understanding that go beyond strictly empirical and reductionist scientific approaches.
Rejecting the exclusivity of scientific methods does not diminish the significance of scientific approaches but rather emphasizes the need to consider other perspectives. Alternative medicine, spiritual practices, and even artistic creations can provide perspectives that contribute to a deeper understanding of reality and human experiences.
Conclusion
Natural science undoubtedly plays an important role in human development, yet it has its boundaries and limitations, like any other system of thought. The ancient Chinese Yin-Yang and Five Elements theory offers an alternative perspective, suggesting that humanity is in close connection with nature, which frames the understanding of the world within a broader, holistic context. Science and philosophy are complementary tools that together can help make sense of humanity's role in the universe.
As the world becomes increasingly complex, there is a growing need to integrate different systems of thought. The combination of natural science, philosophy, Eastern wisdom, and spiritual practices offers the possibility of reaching new levels of human understanding. The Yin-Yang theory, the harmony of the Five Elements, and scientific approaches all help create a more comprehensive picture of reality.
Due to the complexity of human existence, science, philosophy, art, and spirituality are all essential for understanding reality. Together, these elements form the intricate puzzle that helps humanity gain a deeper understanding of the world and its place within it. Only through such a holistic approach can we approach the truth, which is based not only on objective facts but also on the subjective depths of human experiences.