Gertrude Stein: 'The nineteenth century believed in science but the twentieth century does not.'

The nineteenth century believed in science but the twentieth century does not.

In the quote, "The nineteenth century believed in science but the twentieth century does not," Gertrude Stein captures a fundamental shift in the way society views and appreciates science. In a straightforward interpretation, Stein suggests that while the nineteenth century placed immense trust and faith in the scientific method and its potential, the twentieth century began to question and challenge those beliefs. This quote highlights an important turning point in the history of science and invites us to explore the reasons behind this shift in attitude.One way to approach this quote and delve deeper into its significance is by introducing the philosophical concept of postmodernism. Postmodernism, a movement that emerged in the twentieth century, questions the validity and objectivity of scientific truths. It argues that there is no such thing as an absolute truth, and that scientific knowledge is subjective and influenced by cultural, social, and individual factors. By introducing this unexpected concept, we can explore the tension between the unquestioning faith in science during the nineteenth century and the skeptical stance that arose in the twentieth century.The nineteenth century was characterized by significant advancements in scientific understanding, fueled by the spirit of the Enlightenment. During this period, science was seen as the key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe and improving the human condition. It brought about extraordinary breakthroughs in various fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. The belief in science was so profound that it permeated all aspects of society, shaping not only intellectual pursuits but also political ideologies and social movements.However, as the twentieth century unfolded, the shine of blind faith in science began to dim. The horrors of two world wars and the emergence of new technologies, such as nuclear weapons, forced humanity to question the consequences of scientific progress. The devastating impacts of these conflicts raised ethical dilemmas that science alone seemed incapable of resolving. The emergence of environmental issues, genetic engineering, and other technological advancements further fueled societal skepticism towards the scientific enterprise.Postmodernism, as a response to these uncertainties, offered a new perspective on knowledge. It argued that objective truths were elusive and that scientific claims were shaped by the biases and perspectives of those conducting the research. This philosophical approach challenged the very foundation of the scientific method, with its emphasis on objectivity, experiments, and measurable results. Instead, postmodernism proposed that knowledge was not fixed and could be interpreted in numerous ways, influenced by personal and cultural contexts.While the nineteenth century saw science as the ultimate source of truth, the growing skepticism of the twentieth century came from a realization that science alone could not provide all the answers. The human experience could not be fully understood through empirical observation and measurement alone. The shift towards a more holistic view of knowledge and a deeper appreciation for subjective experiences became apparent. Fields like psychology, sociology, and anthropology gained prominence as alternative ways to understand human behavior and societal patterns, acknowledging the limitations of a strictly scientific approach.However, it is crucial to note that skepticism toward science in the twentieth century does not mean the rejection of the scientific method itself. Rather, it highlights the need for interdisciplinary approaches, a recognition that science should work hand in hand with other disciplines to tackle complex issues and address the breadth of human experience. Science remains an essential tool, but it is now understood as one among many lenses through which we can explore and make sense of the world.In conclusion, Gertrude Stein's quote encapsulates the profound shift in attitudes towards science from the nineteenth to the twentieth century. The blind faith in science that characterized the previous era was replaced with a more critical and nuanced view. The emergence of postmodernism challenged the objectivity of scientific truths and highlighted the need for a more holistic approach to knowledge. While the twentieth century may question science at times, it does not reject it; rather, it calls for a broader engagement with diverse perspectives and disciplines to better understand the complexities of our world.