Sycophancy

The first half of 20th century is a period of intensive deification of
parts of the human world - in politics, science, arts. Sycophancy
becomes a profession which proliferates through education. Sycophants
not only create their gods but also determine their behaviour (see
http://www.wbabin.net/valev/valev5.htm ).

In science, the king of sycophants is undoubtedly A. Eddington. His
dithyrambs greatly contribute to the establishment of the
postscientific reality where theories are to flatter, not to verify.
Just an example:

«The law that entropy always increases, - the second law of
thermodynamics - holds, I think, the supreme position among the laws of
Nature. If someone points out to you that your pet theory of the
universe is in disagreement with Maxwell's equations - then so much
the worse for Maxwell's equations. If it is found to be contradicted
by observation - well, these experimentalists bungle things
sometimes. But if your theory is found to be against the second law of
thermodynamics I can give you no hope ; there is nothing for it but to
collapse in deepest humiliation.»

For the moment, postscientism seems established forever. In 2005 the
theory of relativity is still to "celebrate", not to verify. But this
perverse postscientic practice will have to be abandoned soon. Simply
because physics and chemistry education are dying. Students don't wish
to learn by rote anymore.

Pentcho Valev

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