Document Type : Research Paper
Author
Associate Prof. Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies; Iran. Tehran.
Abstract
This paper, using Popper's theory of three worlds, aims to explain how coronavirus has a far-reaching impact on the ecosystem of rationality, and how the viruses that threaten humans could be a threat to the whole life on Earth. On the other hand, this paper, while emphasizing the important epistemological difference between science and technology, explains the pivotal role of science to prevent further crises by putting technology in the sphere of rationality; both by criticizing technologies and inspiring to invent clean technologies. It is emphasized that irrational approaches and doctrines which reduce science to technology or confuse the two disciplines are not only incorrect, but also may create more and deeper crises for humans and whole life on earth.
Highlights
Introduction
In this paper, I first briefly sketch Popper's theory of the three worlds and then explain the ontological status of the coronavirus in this ontology, and with the help of this theory, I deal with the interaction of the coronavirus and the human world.
The Ontological Status of the Coronavirus
According to Popper's theory of the three worlds, reality is not limited to physical entities or even mental states.There is also a world of thoughts and theories. we have to accept the existence of three worlds, each of which contains a kind of reality that, directly or indirectly, has a causal effect on the other two worlds: the inhabitants of the world 1 are physical and natural kinds. The entities of the world 2 are mental states and immediate human experiences. The entities of the world 3 are linguistic formulations of technological ideas, theories, designs, works of art and literature, problems, and problem situations. Moreover, these worlds have causal relationships, and the world 2 mediates the causal relationships between Worlds 1 and 3. The coronavirus family belongs to World 1, which affects both Worlds 1, 2, and 3. This paper especially emphasizes on the impact of the coronavirus on world 3, considering as ecosystem of rationality, in which any change will lead to extensive changes in the whole life on Earth.
The Impact of Coronavirus on the Ecosystem of Rationality
Part of the impact of the coronavirus on world 3 is the very problems, theories, , and scientific discoveries that are produced due to the presence of the virus. Technological changes and modifications are among other important effects of the coronavirus on theecosystem of rationality. Humans through the scientific theories in the world 3 discover the new capacities and deeper layers of reality, and through technology and through World 2, gain the power of intervention in reality especially in the world 1 and the whole life on the earth.
The Importance of Distinguishing Between Science and Technology
Science/technology is an important epistemological distinction, which despite the warnings of critical rationalists, are often (deliberately) ignored in some approaches and doctrines. The aim of science is to explain the reality, but in engineering and technological activity, the aim is to achieve a non-epistemological function or to facilitate epistemological endeavours by providing instrumental services. Reducing science to technology is not only incorrect, but also provides an inadequate ground for the growth of science and demolishes the critical role of science against technology. The relationship between science and technology is not a logical necessity; science plays an inspiring and, more importantly, a critical role for technology, and technology is increasingly placed in the sphere of rationality through the critical role of science.
Coronavirus and the critical role of science for technology
In the case of COVID-19, scientists had frequently warned about epidemies, but this was not taken seriously in many countries until it emerged as a global crisis. Science in many occasions warns about health and the economy loopholes, but these criticisms failed to lead to improvements and innovations in technologies that can effectively prevent the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. So the reality in the world 1 is working as science predicted and the "dangers" take place.
Conclusion
The impact of crises on humans can have a profound effect on the whole life on Earth, because it affects the World 3 - the world that other creatures do not access it. Due to this ability, we have a responsibility; Individuals and communities with more facilities and authority are also more responsible due to their wider choices - especially since the emergence of life is a very rare event. Technologies enter the sphere of rationality through persistent criticism, otherwise, they may lead to dangerous consequences and crises that may be a threat to the whole life on Earth. In this situation, the critical role of science for technology is irreplaceable. Thus, social constructivist and postmodernist approaches that override "truth" as the aim of science and ignore the science/technology distinction and reduce science to technology are not only incorrect, but also dangerous.
To prevent and overcome such crises, we need a universal map and participation which also takes into account the local considerations for each technology. This responsibility leads us to rely on collective reasoning in making decisions, to criticize them relentlessly, and to modify them step by step with piecemeal engineering, because the slightest mistake may cost us a greater disaster. At the same time, due to the urgency and scarcity of pandemics, the responsibility of researchers and research institutes is higher, and procedures and processes should be regulated and coordinated in such a way that while research carries out quickly, their quality also screened, to prevent misinformation and confusing doctors and people.
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