Science and Superstitions

Science is a study that uses research findings to prove or disapprove a certain phenomenon. In science, data collected from research work and subject to interpretation come up with some logical conclusions that are quantifiable. A superstition is a traditional outstanding belief about a certain occurrence or something.

An example is the belief of getting sick which is viewed differently by the supporters of science and superstition. To illustrate, scientists argue that diseases are due to disease causing pathogens. Superstitious beliefs in history have different explanations of the same phenomena. Some believe that people get sick due to wrongdoing and deviation from the ancestors wishes. Interestingly, while scientists have strongly backed their arguments, superstitious believers just trust what they deem the cause of this suffering. Hank claims that he can bring the sun back after an eclipse that was untimely. Merlin, on the other hand, claims that his magic tricks can bring the light back, yet Merlin is not able to do this in the end. Similarly, another duel comes up when Hank blows up Merlin’s tower with lightning and dynamite and claims to be a better magician than Merlin since Merlin is not able to prevent the destruction by incantations (Twain 449). Hank who uses the scientific knowledge to make a destructive lightning can state and explain exactly what causes the destruction. Merlin who uses supernatural powers has no grounds to support as to why the he cannot control destruction. Hank Morgan is, in fact, manipulating people with his tricks (science) that are just slightly different from what Merlin does with his false magic. They both want the same thing to make King Arthur believe in their magic so that they gain the control (Twain 450).

When Hank and Merlin were competing to prove who is mightier, several experiments performed by Hank Morgan appeared successful opposed to Merlin’s attempts which were done in vain. The theory of science and superstition contrasts is evident from these tricks. Hank Morgan conducts yet another trick by restoring the flow of miraculous waters at the valley of holiness as Merlin attempts but is unable to accomplish his mission (Twain 450). Hank disguises people who have no scientific knowledge when he defeats Merlin on his field. These people regard the experiments conducted by Hank by confusing them as also magical.

After his defeating trials, Hank finally concludes that science is magic and that he is the best magician (Twain 450). Hank protects his compound with electric fence unknown to Merlin who has a belief that he can cross the fence, which in an attempt is electrocuted and dies instantly. Hank was disguising himself as magic that Arthur had no reason to refuse since there were no grounds to dispute. Everyone is now confused of the difference between science and magic. Science deals with facts while magic does not. To illustrate, Hank is not in a position to control the sun eclipse but alters statements that are found to be true. The difference between the two is only the fact that science has some underlying facts, but magic dwells on unforeseen powers. Hank uses generally unknown powers of science and technology, like a pocket battery, to start a water pump to drive water up the valley of holiness. This relation between science and magic is evident when Hank defeats the surrogate Merlin through disguise.

Science is easy to understand since it uses defined principles that are uniform in results and not hard to comprehend. It seems, supernatural powers are not applicable since the 19th century as science has been developing very fast with more and more sophisticated machines being invented. Twain in his novel creates the ambivalence of the paradox of the magical science. The different types of sciences include the one that uses progress, reasoning and a high degree of civilization and the one representing a Connecticut Yankee. These two sciences are in opposite sides of each other. The invention of the telephone in 1880 is related to the implementation of scientific machines, which brought a difference of lifestyle.

Science is very important in everyday life to perfect our performance in all fields. From the history of science, people used science in making work simple even during the Stone Age. Early man used the knowledge of friction to make fire. Actually, that was science at those times.

Everything around us is surrounded by facts of science that can be used to improve a previously used method. Superstitions have no account since the ground of whatever happens is baseless, and only the practitioner knows what is happening. Sometimes one may think and conclude that these magic things do not work and are just mind tricks. From the past in the Christian society, Jesus performed miracles that were magical. Nobody could exactly explain what Jesus did since the acts were magic. Hank used his knowledge of science as magic to woe people about his powers to handle so many things unknown to anybody else. Hank uses things that are mechanically fit to simplify work. These include bicycles, water pumps, sewing machines, and the power of electricity. These things are given as gifts to the working people who were serving Arthur efficiently. He, therefore, uses science as magic for his own benefits.

The industrial revolution that took place in the late 1880’s happened because of science: since people were able to communicate using telephones, use simple machines to produce goods and ease transportation of people. These machines and activities are not actually magic. Machines used steam to propel them from one point to another. This was magic, as perceived by people. In this context, one may argue that the superstition belief developed because of lack of knowledge within the evolving minds of people. We can, therefore, conclude that superstition as a strong belief of what we cannot explain. Hank uses this fact to disguise and benefit from the prevailing circumstances of people who have nothing to say about science. In fact, superstitions have never worked anywhere but have been used to benefit the person using grounds that are not straightforward. The theory of occult is not documented anywhere in the history of discoveries.

Superstition and science are interrelated in a way that each of them aims at delivering knowledge that is not common to everybody. Discoveries serve a big role in this field. Science has played a great role in the civilized world since the industrial revolution took place. It brings about knowledge of problem solving related to making work easier. Machines and power that are still under scientific investigation create very many job opportunities, which lead to improved standards of living. The magic science has not done much since those who practice the magic are still living in the past time of the 18th century. This was proved by the comparison of Hank and Marlin when they competed for who had stronger magic powers. This proves that in ancient times, the empires and kingdoms practiced magic as a measure of strength. Anybody who could move the masses with his or her magic got automatic recognition from the state. This is different from the world today where science exhibitions organized by different states to enhance creativity in the world are popular. Scientific inventions today bear names of the persons who discovered them. These include the discovery of the telephone by Bell, which is now Bell’s electric phone. Discoveries will never live for a long time since people still need to advance in different fields.

Most companies today are employing research departments to explore different ways of advancing the development of production and improving sales. In the times when superstitions worked they were not accountable for the outcomes. Magic power worked during the era when science was magic to the people..Science is applicable to the advancement of the technology that creates the basis of any industrial state. Development in a state is dependent on the level of scientific innovation. The most productive countries have a history of investment in science and technology leading to increased agricultural and industrial production.

This field of study development includes social sciences that use scientific methods in carrying out research in behavior. The behavior of a machine, human beings, and animals is under research using scientific processes. This process predicts the outcome of a phenomenon and hence enables recommendations. Science has replaced ancient theories of everything dwelling on magic. Kings and emperors used superstition to woe people into their strong belief. Kings used magicians to give interpretations of their problems and provide solutions. This is opposite to the thought of this field of study. Now everybody looks at the possibility of development using scientific knowledge. Solution to problems depends entirely on scientific knowledge. The study is slowly developing from the grass roots to the international development. To empower scientists the governments are supposed to invest heavily to advance the country’s development. The conclusion of the comparison between these theories gives an insight that superstition is also science but of ancient times. The real science of these days depends on the integration of research.