Humanists and humanist organizations frequently invoke "Science" or the "Scientific Method" in an almost religious sense. We believe that the universe can be explained both macroscopically and microscopically through application of scientific principles. Carl Sagan subtitled The Demon--Haunted World, which is almost certainly his farewell to humanity, Science As A Candle in The Dark. Last month I included a short quotation indicating that Mr. Sagan believes that Americans are scientifically illiterate. We have a hunger, indeed a need for science. The problem is that we are fulfilling this vacancy with "pseudo-science."

The book shows that today's UFO and alien encounter crazes are modern day manifestations of the demons and witches that plagued the earlier centuries in this era.

Combine Sagan's ideas with other items and there is, I believe, real cause for concern. Cora B. Marrett, writing in the Christian Science Monitor, notes that two decades' worth of surveys reveal that people know less and less about technology. In spite of the publicity of the infamous O.J. Simpson trial, only one in five Americans can provide a minimally acceptable definition of DNA. Less than half of Americans know that the Earth rotates around the sun once each year.

Furthermore, the USA spends less proportionally of non-defense research and development dollars than either Japan or Germany. Japan spends one-third more; Germany one-fifth. In addition, American Research and Development spending is not keeping pace with inflation. In real dollars, US public and private spending on R&D declined an estimated 2 percent between 1990 and 1995.

Ms. Marrett finds a silver lining to this dark cloud: increased cooperation between industry and university scientists and programs is replacing government funds. Anyone who read Michael Crichton's introduction to Jurassic Park will not take comfort in this point. In the book (though not necessarily in the movie), Crichton points out that pure research must be free from the influences of naked capitalism. When big money from big corporations is involved, the direction of Research and Development programs is influenced by what the source of funds wants instead of a pure quest for knowledge.

Late in May, the House of Representatives voted to back wide cuts in government science programs that critics say would destroy US energy policy and rob the nation of its lead in research and development (Reuters News). According to Vice President Al Gore, the measure "would abandon a 50-year partnership among American industry, universities and the federal government to support science, research and technology."

Republican supporters said the bill provided more for basic research but said the government should not be funding research that should be supported by the private sector.

The good news is that the Senate is unlikely to even consider the bill and if they do it would face a likely veto from President Clinton.

We humanists need to take a lead role in promoting and supporting programs that are based upon logic and reason. Our airwaves are filled with nonsense about aliens, demons and parapsychological tomfoolery. Ignore them when you can, counter them in public discussions. Become educated in the basic principles of the Scientific Method and encourage your children and families to do the same. The only way to defeat ignorance is with knowledge.

--Wayne Wilson