Truth and utility

Ancient science was focused on truth, not utility.  It was elitist and unconcerned with helping improve the life of ordinary people.  Pure mathematics retains this attitude with its unconcern for applications, leaving that to others.

Modern science grew out of the Renaissance and original humanist movement (not to be confused with the contemporary humanist movement).  They were concerned with improving the life of ordinary people.  Bacon is clear about this and so focused on material and efficient causes and left the rest to others.  This attitude is retained today in methodological naturalism.  Science has gained an enormous reputation based on its utilitarian focus.

Creationists want to put truth back on the top, with utility second.  It should not be surprising that modern scientists reject this approach.  It is too ancient for the moderns.

May 2013