Why Does Bronowski Begin His Episode in Iceland?
Bronowski believes that science and religion have always been at odds with authorities because they significantly influence society, a type of power. As a result, many rulers have attempted to undermine this power, leading people to think scientific findings are insignificant compared to the power of the king or emperor. In The Ascent of Man, Bronowski discusses how the democratization of science has benefited humanity. That is why he begins his last essay in Iceland, the birthplace of democracy (Bronowski, 2011a).
What Role Does Iceland Play in the History of Science?
Iceland, a remote corner of the planet, formed a society based on democracy in its original form when the Chinese Empire existed, and Europe only had barons (Bronowski, 2011a). Even if a scientist is executed, as the king did with Thomas More, his work will continue influencing people’s minds (Bronowski, 2011a). Democracy is essential in science: The government cannot interfere in scientific matters because the opposite can happen.
When scientists are on the side of the rulers, they believe they are correct in everything, even when it appears that they are breaking all the rules. In the final episode, Bronowski depicts Auschwitz, a concentration camp where approximately 4 million people died because science ceased to be democratic (Budzinski, 2011a). It began to serve power, making that power sure of its rightness.
When the scientific process starts to tap into rather than humanity, it loses its freedom, becomes a hostage, and begins substituting concepts. Human life becomes a set of numbers for scientists, and it becomes acceptable to experiment on humans, torture them, and burn them alive. Bronowski believes those who try to subjugate science, forgetting that science requires democracy, are to blame. Science, which is supposed to be the cradle of civilization, should serve humanity’s good, but instead, it has become a threat to humanity.
Why the Long Childhood Is Important to Humans?
Bronowski argues that humans have the most extended childhoods of any animal, distinguishing us from them. However, Bronowski points out that, while adults were initially valued, science helped the child become more important to Western civilization than the adult (Bronowski, 2011b). At this point, civilization begins to mature, understanding how important a child’s life is and what it will leave behind for a child. The latter sees science in a completely different light, considering almost everything possible and almost not thinking about the fact that someone can forbid thinking about it or force them to think only in the lowest key. Children have complete freedom of choice and can thus create something new, unlike adults, who undoubtedly feel some pressure from society or the authorities.
He thinks excellent civilizations stifled young people’s imaginations (Bronowski, 2011b). This is why these civilizations eventually fell apart: sons did what their fathers did, and their grandfathers did before that. The only way for a young mind to gain knowledge in the Middle Ages was through the church, but after a certain level, the door closed, and it was impossible to gain the rest of the knowledge. It is what Bronowski refers to as the beginning of intellectual democracy when a person from the people could not only communicate with and learn from knowledgeable individuals but also absorb knowledge through books.
Which Episode in The Ascent of Man Best Illustrates Bronowski’s Message About Science?
Bronowski claims that democracy is an essential component of science; therefore, he set the latest episode in Iceland to emphasize its significance. There, the first semblance of democracy emerged (Bronowski, 2011a). The fourth episode, called ‘The Hidden Structure, ‘ best illustrates what Bronowski (2011b) is trying to say in this concluding episode about the nature or significance of science. That is why science must be democratic and independent, as there are examples of science being subordinated to fascist regimes with disastrous results. Thus, scientific democracy, including the first printed books, enabled young minds to expand their knowledge and make significant scientific discoveries.
References
Bronowski, J. (2011a). The ascent of man. Ebury Publishing.
Budzinski, N. (2011b). Ascent of Man, episode 11 – Knowledge or certainty. [Video]. YouTube. Web.