When Dr Marama Muru-Lanning recalled the story of herself being called “not a real scientist” it left me with the question of what defines, and what makes, a field of study scientific. She mentioned many examples of all the science within her work like physics, boat dynamics and working alongside with robotics and engineers, including the world’s leading expert in concrete. These, without question, are scientific areas of expertise but then she also recounted in order to do her study she had to ask ‘spiritual’ permission. This involved chants and incantations in order to communicate with dead ancestors and the Taniwha of the river. This is on the opposite side of what generally is perceived as ‘science’ as they are magical and spiritual rituals in order to communicate with mythical deities. The word science originates from the Latin word ‘scientia’ which in turn came from the Greek word ‘episteme’. During the time of Greek scientists, where the first real advancements were made in science, they actively believed in the Greek Pantheon and routinely made offerings to them. In this time religion/theology seemed to go hand and hand with science but as we advance more and more through society, the more the two ideas oppose each other. Why is this? Is it because science has begun to unravel the mysteries of the world that religion used to explain (e.g. lighting was the Norse God, Thor’s, wrath) and we no longer need religion? Is it because there are so many religions that contrast each other, it is easier to follow science that takes a different viewpoint? Or is it because many religious things appear impossible to prove like the existence of Taniwha and ancestor ghosts, while scientific things are able to be proven, which may mean if it lacks proof then it is unscientific in the eyes of the majority of scholars? Either way, I think that despite your beliefs, if they do not interfere with the results of your findings, they are just as scientific as someone who holds no religious/cultural beliefs.
Fun fact: The Greeks believed their Gods were alive and well and on the top of Mt Olympus but were too lazy to ever check if they were actually up there.
