Reason Is Not Winning: A Proposed Blueprint for Moving Forward

Abstract

In our age of reason and science, despite the success of technology and medicine in improving the lives of billions, and the presence in the public eye of vocal advocates of rational thought, the influence of sundry religions keeps becoming stronger—to the extent that, in the early years of the twenty-first century, organized religion largely sets the political agenda and the cultural narrative for much of what is happening on the world stage. The conclusion is that large segments of the public fail to be convinced by what they perceive as the scientists’ narrative. Something is clearly wrong, and it needs to be addressed urgently, lest reason keep losing the battle of ideas. We know that a change is called for if reason is to become again politically and historically relevant. A diagnosis of what may be wrong is offered, as well as suggestions for a way forward.