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Scientific Temper: A Rational Approach to Progress and Values

  What is Scientific Temper? The scientific approach and temper are, or should be, a way of life, a process of thinking, a method of acting and associating with life, a process of thinking, a method of acting and associating with our fellowmen.  – Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Why do you need to have a scientific temper? Okay. First, The article 51A (h) of the Constitution of India states that “It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to develop a scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of enquiry and reform” .  So, it is, if you are an Indian, your Fundamental Duty to be scientifically tempered. Second, Being scientifically tempered you can accept the world objectively. No one can easily manipulate you towards their own interests. For instance, you can see both the good and the bad aspects of an object or idea, while other people around you are able to see only one aspect because of their emotional biases. Third, You will be able to fin...
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The Role of Logical Reasoning in Overcoming Superstitions

  Superstitions have been a part of human society for centuries. Why? Because they often stem from fear, ignorance, and traditions.  They thrive in the absence of rational inquiry, relying on emotional appeals and a lack of understanding about the natural world.  Why should you overcome them? Are they harmful at all? Well, ofcourse many superstitions are harmless, but others can perpetuate harmful practices, hinder scientific progress, and exploit the vulnerable section of a society.  Okay, then how can you overcome them? You can overcome them only by logical reasoning and pave the way for a more rational and progressive society. Now let us understand what a superstition is: What is Superstition? Superstitions are irrational beliefs or practices that attribute supernatural causes to natural events. They often involve rituals or taboos believed to bring good luck, prevent bad fortune, or explain unexplained phenomena.  Examples include the fear of black cats cros...

10 Superstition Still Practiced in Europe

Here are some examples of superstitions in Europe, divided into those practiced in the past and those still followed today: Superstitions Practiced in the Past: 1. Witchcraft and the Evil Eye: Belief: Women accused of witchcraft were thought to cast spells and bring misfortune. The evil eye was believed to cause harm through a malevolent gaze. Practice: Protective charms, amulets, and rituals were used to ward off these perceived threats. 2. The Black Plague and Cats: Belief: During the Black Death, black cats were considered harbingers of bad luck or symbols of witchcraft. Practice: Cats were killed en masse, ironically worsening the plague by allowing rat populations (carriers of fleas with the plague) to grow unchecked. 3. Knocking on Wood: Origin: Pagans believed that spirits resided in trees. Knocking on wood was a way to call on these spirits for protection or to avoid tempting fate. 4. Broken Mirrors and Bad Luck: Belief: A broken mirror was thought to trap the soul or bring se...

What Is Logic and Why It Matters in Today's World

In today’s fast-paced digital age, we are constantly bombarded with information from social media, news outlets, and everyday conversations.  But how often do we pause and think to evaluate the validity of what we hear or see?  This is where logic comes into play. Logic, the foundation of rational thinking, is more than just a subject studied in philosophy—it is a skill that empowers us to make informed, data-driven decisions, resist manipulation, and contribute to a more rational society. What Is Logic? At its core, logic is the science of reasoning. It helps us distinguish between valid and invalid arguments, allowing us to separate truth from falsehood. Logic is used in various disciplines—mathematics, computer science, law, and even everyday problem-solving. There are three primary types of reasoning in logic – 1. Deductive Reasoning:  Starting with a general statement and arriving at a specific conclusion. Example: All humans are mortal. Socrates is human. Theref...