The Mythos Of Culture And Science


Is psychology a science? Intrinsic to scientific method is unbiased objectivity. One could ask if medicine is a science as well, and concerning both the answer is yes, but it depends. Both disciplines being human endeavors are as scientific, as the scientists allow them be. Historically concerning this, it is clear there have been many low points, and as well a few high points. Sadly human nature being what it is, clarity is more often had in hindsight.

Undoubtedly scientists as people are subject to cultural influences. Also culture for reason of politic sets the focus and direction science takes, through determining who gets funding to study what. Often in the past and even currently, culture seeps into the method corrupting it through ubiquitous subtle biases held by scientists themselves. Such biases are so pervasive they are rarely seen except in hindsight, long after a culture has changed enough to make them apparent. Therefore it is far from a rare occurrence, for us to look back in time and plainly see just how far astray science can go.

In it's own time a culture usually assumes it is enlightened, surpassing those preceding it. My personal conclusion is that human nature is what it is, and despite obvious differences between various cultures throughout time, it remains constant. Our current culture is in my opinion anything but superior to those preceding it. The science of medicine I believe serves as a perfect example, of the more things change the more things stay the same.

Medical science even now is fraught with a pervasive lack of objectivity and overlooked biases. Which will in hind sight if we are lucky, be seen for the stupidity it is. Of course the same thing holds true for psychology.

For since people are a product of their culture, only some of whom ever even become aware of this. The vast majority operate under the assumptions of the current mythos. Which is in fact culture itself.

Natasha