The Takeover of Science
The Takeover of Science
In the past several centuries, great achievements have been made in scientific research. Science has become the most valuable asset in human society. Such a valuable asset naturally became coveted by the powerful ruling class. The takeover of science by the ruling class has a profound impact to science and to the society.
Among all branches of science, physics is the most fundamental and the most prestigious. Not coincidently, the powerful people show the greatest interest to physics. Many billionaires profess their deep love to physics. It seems that love of physics is a sign of great intelligence. And great intelligence justifies great wealth.
Among all physicists, Einstein is the brightest star. His theories of relativity, special and general relativity, are especially prominent. It would be revealing to study how Einstein and theories of relativity gain their prominence.
Lorentz transformation and special relativity were developed to resolve some puzzles in physics, such as results from Michaelson Morley experiment. But special relativity contains its own logical inconsistencies, such as twin paradox. Experts have repeatedly assured the public these paradoxes have been resolved. But a recent comment conceded that, “While the result is correct, the explanation is misleading.” (Lasky, 2003)
Relativity is not an obscure theory. It is the very foundation of modern physics. Relativity is not a new theory. It has been around for more than a century. If no one could produce a non-misleading explanation after such a long time, how can one assert “the result is correct”?
The logical inconsistency in Lorentz transformation is quite obvious for those studying the theory. It is fine to present a logically inconsistent proposal, in the hope of stimulating discussion. It is another matter to suppress all those pointing out the logical inconsistency.
In an article, the relativity deniers, the author asked the following questions.
Who were Einstein's opponents? Why did they oppose one of the most important scientific theories of the 20th century? And was Einstein right in saying "political affiliation" was responsible for the fierce opposition to relativity theory? (Wazeck, 2010)
These questions are quite revealing. “Why did they oppose one of the most important scientific theories of the 20th century?” This question implies that people can only dissent on unimportant issues. Important theories are the exclusive domain of the anointed few.
“And was Einstein right in saying “political affiliation” was responsible for the fierce opposition to relativity theory?” People have questions about relativity theory because it is logically inconsistent. Even today, authorities have to concede “While the result is correct, the explanation is misleading.” (Lasky, 2003) But early on, Einstein and his backers intimidate those who question relativity as belonging to certain “political affiliation”.
“By the mid-1920s Einstein’s opponents were facing overwhelming resistance, and most refrained from taking a public stance against the theory of relativity.” (Wazeck, 2010) This showed that many people were not convinced of the theory of relativity. They were coerced into silence.
With the power of coercion, the ruling class successfully took over science, turning it into a political tool for themselves. The role of science can be seen clearly in many of today’s important social issues, such as climate change.
Science used to be a very effective tool to seek truth. Precisely because of this, the ruling class turns it into a very effective tool to spread lies.
References
Lasky, R.C., 2003. How does relativity theory resolve the twin paradox. Scientific American. March 17, 2003.
Wazeck, Milena, 2010, The relativity deniers., New Scientist, 02624079, 11/13/2010, Vol. 208, Issue 2786