TWO OPPOSED ATTITUDES TOWARDS SCIENCE IN TIME OF PANDEMIC

Abstract

The contemporary cultural context is strongly influenced by the mathematical-empirical sciences. This important role has resulted in two opposed attitudes towards science. On the one hand, science is viewed as a promise of salvation because of its wide technological impact. This optimistic attitude is exemplified by the so-called transhumanist movement. On the other hand, there is distrust of science for a series of reasons, reaching from anthropological and ethical considerations to conspiracy theories. While both attitudes have already been present in philosophical reflection and popular accounts in the media (related to topics like nuclear energy, ecology or genetic engineering), they attract a renewed attention in the current situation of the coronavirus pandemic. This paper argues that both attitudes are based on a misconception of science. Instead, the consideration of the personalistic (i.e. epistemological, ethical-anthropological and aestheticalexistential) dimensions of scientific activity opens a fruitful way to inspire the creativity of the human person, especially in time of crisis.