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July 4, 2004
Review: The fate of science
THE production and consumption of scientific knowledge dominates the operation of our modern societies. The penetration of scientism into political and civil society, however, poses a dilemma for the Muslim states such as Pakistan. On the one hand the behavior of the state is supposed to reflect the mainstream views of the popular Muslim ummah, as represented by the conservative clergy. On the other hand, the esoteric knowledge and understanding required to make rational decisions in which S&T are decisive factors lies in the hands of a minority, progressive, often libertine, elite.
Towards Understanding the State of Science in Pakistan, an edited collection of papers by eminent scholars who had convened on June 9, 2001 at a seminar organized by the Council of Social Sciences (COSS) on the same subject, highlights the critical historical, philosophical and practical aspects of the ongoing struggle to establish a healthy S&T practising community in Pakistan. Edited by Dr Inayatullah, the current president of COSS, the book is the outcome of the pioneering attempt by the centre, an autonomous NGO, to engage natural and social scientists in a dialogue on science and society.
Reflecting the preponderance of the religion vs. science debate among Muslim scientists, many of whom are not reconciled with their practice of religious faith with that of scientific skepticism, as many as four of the eleven chapters of the book (excluding the introduction and conclusion) deal with religion, specifically Islam, and its relationship with science. Two of these papers, “The impact of Islam on science” by Asghar Qadir and “Islam and science” by Khwaja Masud have been published earlier, while Tarik Jan’s “Religion and science: exaggerating the conflict” is an invited response to Dr Inayatullah’s comprehensive chapter “The ideological predicament of contemporary Muslim scientists”. Taken together, these papers trace the changing contours of the complex relationship between Islamic thought and the evolving discipline of modern-day science. Instead of “consuming their energies in Islamizing science”, Inayatullah exhorts Muslim scientists to participate in a “humanized science” and imbibe the culture of science to own its achievements as a collective heritage of the human race.
Asghar Qadir’s article “The changing conception of science” provides the scientific backdrop for the discussions that follow. The next four chapters are contributions from physicists, mirroring the predominance of the physical sciences in the S&T arena in Pakistan. The consensus emerging from these seminal chapters is that S&T has been derailed in Pakistan primarily because of “warped” ill-prioritized, unbalanced agendas, in favour of military enterprise — specifically the nuclear-weapons industry, in the name of national security, to the detriment of socio-economic measures.
Sadiq identifies “two tracks” of scientific enterprise in Pakistan: track-1 is strategic, high-priority, which focuses on development of nuclear weapons and the other track-2, non-strategic, low-priority focuses on S&T for meeting the needs of the people. Sadiq points out that the few benefits that have come from track-2 have gone to a minority elite, not to the common man; he alleges that education and research conducted in Pakistani institutions is “by and large not relevant to the problems being faced by the common man, and not related to indigenous skills and technologies”.
Corroborating with and extending Sadiq’s observations, Daudpota stresses the need of formulating “an action plan based on the real needs of the majority”. He draws attention to the unaccounted, wasteful ventures represented by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and the Kahuta Laboratories, and laments the “many socially beneficial projects (such as clean water technology and solar thermal power generation)” could have been supported by that kind of massive funding, instead.
Unsparing in his criticism of Pakistani scientists themselves, Alam points out: “(The) Pakistani scientific community remains the most irrational, retrogressive, conservative and least objective professional body anywhere.” He explains the sad state of affairs thus: “Science in Pakistan has never been introduced, taught, promoted, cultivated and practised for inculcating its critical, rational, liberal spirit and character.
It has been confused with its scientific and technical artifacts (atomic bomb, cars, computers). The state has always sought to produce scientists who could solve scientific and technical problems while remaining socially and culturally conservative.
Riazuddin explains the situation in economic terms: “we spend about US $2,000 per soldier about US $2 per student.” He identifies political commitment to S&T of a nation’s leaders as a preeminent factor in scientific development. He cites the example of Nehru’s vision and that of premier scientists like the late Dr Homi Bhaba, in the observable success of the S&T enterprise in India.
The silver lining in the cloud is represented in the robust form of the new minister of S&T, Atta-ur-Rahman. S.T.K. Naim’s chapter “Essentials for knowledge based economy and the new S&T initiatives” list the hope-inspiring, multi-pronged corrective measures being taken by Atta’s ministry to coerce S&T back on track.
Lists of well-intentioned, things-to-do accompany most chapters in the book. But Daudpota’s vividly drawn image of “the musty cabinets of the ministry of S&T” with “piles of policy documents, bearing marks of time and apathy” begins to haunt. Hope the recommendations in this commendable first effort by COSS towards understanding the state of S&T in Pakistan produces swift and prudent action.
For action is where the hurdle lies. As far back as the summer of 1986, Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam, in a lecture delivered to the Pakistan Planning Commission, had discussed what ails Pakistan S&T and had outlined clear remedies (Science and Education in Pakistan by A. Salam). This book does not add significantly to what Salam had already diagnosed and prescribed for S&T in Pakistan. The issue, as some of the contributing authors have also recognized, is really one of implementation.
Towards Understanding the State of Science in Pakistan
Edited by Dr Inayatullah
Council of Social Sciences
Pakistan, #307 Dossal Arcade, Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area, Islamabad. Tel: 051-2274565
Email: cossp@apollo.net.pk Website: www.coss.sdnpk.org
ISBN 969-8755-004
157pp. Rs200
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