Rational thought from the scientific definition is much different than the "rational" thought processes we define for ourselves.
Rational or scientific thought proceeds as follows:
Hypothesis: The big guess. What might explain the things that we see. What overlaying principle may provide the answer?
Fact collection: Observation and collection of samples, data, or other relevant information. Here we find supporting evidence, discover the mathematic, and explore the unknown. We attempt to prove and disprove the Hypothesis. If we find related evidence that does not support the hypothesis, it must be redefined. If we find no observable and repeatable evidence to support the hypothesis, it remains a big guess.
Hypothesis and fact collection occur in no particular order. They are usually performed in tandem. As we collect data, we refine our hypothesis. At some point we find repeatable methodology to create desirable results, evidence that can be verified, we get peer review. The hypothesis must be redefined to eliminate misleading information and other explanations based on the evidence collected.
Theory: After the evidence is collected and the hypothesis seems to explain that evidence, we create a theory. It is the best explanation that we can create to explain the evidence. A theory is never absolute. But it is the strongest statement of "fact" that rational thought will present. For example, we have the "theory of gravity". Yes, it is ONLY a theory that if you drop a ball, it will fall, but it is fairly well accepted that it will fall. It is repeatable and can be shown to anyone whether they believe it will fall or not.
This is the process of rational thought. Many of our cultural beliefs will never merit the test of rational thought. One can find numerous beliefs in economics/politics for example where there are many presumptions (hypothesis) to produce desired results. We clamor to make societal changes to implement the presumptions without collecting the facts in a study. And then, we as a society either believe or disbelieve that the change was the correct thing to do. In this example, irrational thought made change, a belief prevailed, and no facts were ever produced to create the theory. Yet belief in the hypothesis remains strong.
Religious belief, by nature, can not stand up to the test of the rational or scientific thought process. It is a different animal. If you believe that flying red kites can cure cancer for example, you can perform double blind tests with cancer patients. You would have some fly red kites and some play marbles. You would collect the results and then based on the evidence, you may change your hypothesis. You may discover that flying kites has no bearing on a cancer cure. But here's the thing. You BELIEVE that flying red kites cures cancer. The ability to produce repeatable results, complete the experiment, or provide data for someone else to review is not relevant. You have a belief for which rational thought is not relevant. Your faith in red kite flying remains secure. This is irrational thought. For another example, consider nutritional supplements and diet aids. Some are being proven to work, some are not, and for the remainder, we have the true believers.
The faith that we have is based on presumptions of what we believe are facts. For example, those of use who are Christians, Muslims, or Jews, may presume that the writings of the old prophets (compiled in the holy scriptures) are fact. And based on that presumption, we attempt to logically discuss our faith.
The problem is that those facts considered the foundations of faith will not hold up to rational (scientific) scrutiny. That is not to say that they may not some day be understood. For example, we now know how weather works to some degree. While we no longer make sacrifices to the rain gods, we might pray for rain, understanding that if the weather front doesn't come in, it ain't gonna rain.
There are many theories yet to be formulated, many facts to be found, many things yet to be understood. We still do not "know" everything. The concepts of irrational thought may lead us there, for irrational thought leads to curiosity and fact finding. However, it is painful to see irrational thought impede rational thought in our society. Consider the irrational problems that old time physicians had when they had a need to examine a corpse. Had they not been able to examine the corpse, we would not know very much about the human body. The rational thought of medicine would have been stopped in its tracks.
We see the word irrational as carrying a negative connotation. And indeed it often does. Yet, in the close examination of the term, it is helpful to understand exactly what it means when we consider what we believe. Faith by strict definition is categorized as irrational in this context for it is founded on belief of things not seen or observed, of truth unproven and undefined. Yet so many irrational aspects of our lives are necessary to lead happy lives. Love, hope, happiness, and many other basic human characteristics depend on irrational thought. Yup, faith is in there with them.
Cindi
