The Limits of Predictive Science, Physical Law Assumptions, and Reflections from the Quran
Science has always embarked on a quest to decipher the enigmas of our existence, spanning from the intricacies of life to the vast cosmic expanses. Yet, central to scientific discourse are certain foundational assumptions, especially the notion that the physical laws discerned today have consistently operated throughout history.
A thought-provoking inquiry from Stephen Colbert to astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson unveiled a cosmic conundrum: “If galaxies recede beyond our visual horizon due to the influence of dark matter, future astronomers might find their gaze limited to the stars of our Milky Way, obscuring a significant expanse of the universe’s tale.”
Such contemplation raises profound questions. If galaxies from antiquity differ from contemporary observations, could it imply variations in the governing physical laws of yore? Our comprehension of past epochs is framed by our present understanding of physical laws. Despite scientists’ ability to generate extensive models based on contemporary data, the true nature of the past remains enigmatic.
In Islamic teachings, the Quran repeatedly alludes to the heavens and the earth as profound signs of Allah’s majesty.
Surah Al-Imran (3:190–191) declares: “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.”
This ayah shows the significance of pondering the cosmos, suggesting that delving deep into the universe’s mysteries can enhance our reverence for the Divine.
From a scientific lens, the quest for knowledge, despite its rigor, often harbors inherent ambiguities. Statistical methodologies assist scientists in validating their findings, yet a pristine, error-free comprehension remains a distant ideal. Michio Kaku’s proposition of the “God Equation” envisions an all-encompassing formula providing explanations for every facet of nature.
Central to scientific extrapolation is the underlying belief in the unchanging nature of universal laws — a belief fundamental to our insights into distant celestial entities, the universe’s embryonic phases, and Earth’s primeval conditions. However, even with a potential “God Equation” in hand, it would remain predicated on assumptions about a veiled past.
In the face of the universe’s staggering expansion and the hypothetical existence of ephemeral radioactive elements from the universe’s dawn, one must ponder: where does this place our conviction in scientific theories bolstered by observational evidence? Instead of perceiving them as immutable truths, it’s perhaps more sagacious to recognize them as well-informed, albeit based on inherent assumptions. Science’s charm doesn’t lie in professing absolute certainties but in its persistent endeavor to fathom the universe’s myriad complexities. Likewise, from an Islamic vantage point, the universe’s intricacies are poignant reminders of the Creator’s boundless wisdom, guiding believers towards profound introspection and enlightenment.
