Gloomy is an incomprehensible term for many, which is a free translation of the term "obscurantism" and is translated from Latin as "obscuring". It can be applied to different life spheres, beginning with religion and ending with the government.
What is this obscurantism?
The ideological mood, based on a hostile attitude toward science, culture and personal freedom, is called obscurantism. As an organized flow, it appeared during the period of the beginning of scientific and technical progress. Many people, describing that this is obscurantism, speak about the worship of demons. This current is based on several ideas:
- the harmfulness of educating a large number of people;
- the destructive influence of scientific and technological revolution;
- opposition to any reforms aimed at increasing individual personal freedom.
Gloom and ignorance
However sad it may sound, but obscurantism and ignorance are components of modern society, which, in fact, are defects. If we compare the aspirations of modern people and those who lived in the 60's and 70's, the difference is unique. Obscurantism led to the fact that people stopped trying to get education (physical, historical, mathematical), believing that this is a waste of time and you can earn money without it. To meet a versatile person oh is not easy. What will lead to this trend is unclear, but the prospects, unfortunately, are deplorable.
Pseudoscience and obscurantism
Recently, various astrological forecasts, techniques of working with energies, telekinesis and other directions are very popular, which in fact have no scientific confirmation, although there are no shortcomings in them. All this is pseudoscience, which is an example of non-religious obscurantism. This is explained by the fact that science shows excessive conservatism with respect to new alternative currents and such arguments are at the mercy of obscurantism.
Orthodox obscurantism
The interaction of religion and obscurantism is evident from the very beginning of the development of human thought. Finding out what obscurantism means in religious trends, it is worth noting the inherent conservatism, because their task is to preserve the moral standing of society. Religious obscurantism is manifested in a negative attitude toward any innovations. Priests claim that people must observe all church rules, go to church regularly, adhere to bans and so on.
Sometimes religion gives relief and as an example you can bring the Internet, which until quite recently the church called a devilish manifestation, but after a while this opinion was revised and different official websites of dioceses, parishes and so on appeared on the network. In other matters obscurantism is still preserved. It is worth noting that it manifests itself not only in Orthodoxy, but also in other religious directions.
Government obscurantism
It is sad to state the fact, but people occupying government positions do their best to prevent people from developing and creating problems. Government obscurantism manifests itself in the removal from existing problems in science, culture, education, and so on. There is a list of methods that use obscurantism:
- imitation of scientific activity;
- creation of forged documents;
- disinformation of the public;
- application of various manipulations;
- formation of secret communities;
- the destruction of talented and intelligent people;
- suppression of dissenters.
How to deal with obscurantism?
Given the spread of obscurantism in various spheres of life, it will not be easy to eradicate it. Combating obscurantism involves several actions, but it should be borne in mind that they are not always obvious.
- Involve society in an open discussion of existing problems.
- To impose a ban on making important decisions in an autonomous mode.
- Actively disseminate information and demonstrate the lack of education and self-interest of people acting against progress.
- To overcome modern obscurantism it is possible if to spread science in a worthy form, which will help to dispel the existing ignorance.
- Opposition to lack of culture and totalitarianism, which is the basis for the development of obscurantism.
- Assist and promote the freedom of creativity, including the scientific.