Quote:
Originally Posted by Proto
While the pursuit of knowledge should be something obvious for any intelligent being instead of just being done because some ancient book says so, I've got to agree that Islam had some positive influence in that regard... however you've got to accept that it is a system that didn't succeed. Just compare the state of modern islam states and their education level compared to those countries which have a more laic system. (with Cuba being one of the most obvious examples in terms of education and culture level under a laic system)
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In the old times, pursuit of knowledge was not important. The logical thing back then was the pursuit of war and power. As for the lack of education in the middle east ( which is perhaps, its most fatal point atm ) has nothing to do with Islam. The political and military movements that shaped up that region eventually destroyed the civilisation, leaving people with nothing to learn. Lets not forget the thousand of books and libraries burnt by the Mogols and crusaders when they stormed the land. Or the tyrannt rulers who deprived their people from knowledge so they wont oppose them and remain in the dark side.
For a muslim/islamist, they still believe their system will work. Their argument is simply that the system failed when people stopped following its tenants; which is true to some extent. What I do have to agree with you however, is that religion cannot be used as source/origin of science. We can validate it against solid proven facts, but that still doesn't have an effect on the scientific progress overall. What I am disagreeing with you here is the blantant discrediting you're giving to perhaps one of the most rational religions existing in this world; though I am pretty sure - you, being your atheist self - would disagree on the usuage of word "rational" here. heh
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