You know what Arthur C. Clark said about advanced technology. And indeed, it seems like most people treat it as nothing more than magic. Using technology doesn’t create respect for science, unfortunately. Let alone interest. (Except in people predisposed to either.)
I do see a possible way for technology to decrease faith, though. With technology, it’s quickly becoming much easier to form much more accurate impressions of the world, which lessens the need for and impact of weird superstitions and rationalizations that often lead to or reinforce religious or otherwise irrational beliefs. For instance, I imagine the advent of videocameras has led to a decline in the belief of ghosts and spirits. When personal video life recorders become a standard part of your wearable computer, belief in apparitions will probably be nearly eliminated.
Sure, many people treat technology like magic, but as it becomes an ever increasing part our our lives, it is hard to deny that the supply of jobs in science and engineering will increase, and subsequently that the number of scientists and engineers will grow to meet this demand. What is more, even if most people are not curious about the technology they grow up with, that does not preclude the possibility that increased technology correlates with increased interest in science. All it would take is one in 10 or even 1 in 20 people to be influenced by the technology they use.
You know what Arthur C. Clark said about advanced technology. And indeed, it seems like most people treat it as nothing more than magic. Using technology doesn’t create respect for science, unfortunately. Let alone interest. (Except in people predisposed to either.)
I do see a possible way for technology to decrease faith, though. With technology, it’s quickly becoming much easier to form much more accurate impressions of the world, which lessens the need for and impact of weird superstitions and rationalizations that often lead to or reinforce religious or otherwise irrational beliefs. For instance, I imagine the advent of videocameras has led to a decline in the belief of ghosts and spirits. When personal video life recorders become a standard part of your wearable computer, belief in apparitions will probably be nearly eliminated.
Sure, many people treat technology like magic, but as it becomes an ever increasing part our our lives, it is hard to deny that the supply of jobs in science and engineering will increase, and subsequently that the number of scientists and engineers will grow to meet this demand. What is more, even if most people are not curious about the technology they grow up with, that does not preclude the possibility that increased technology correlates with increased interest in science. All it would take is one in 10 or even 1 in 20 people to be influenced by the technology they use.