Synopsis of Magician Twins

Below is a synopsis of the film “The Magician’s Twin” by C.S.
Lewis and how he tried to

explain some thoughts against scientism.
Film Title: The Magician’s Twin – C.S. Lewis and the Case Against Scientism
Film Synopsis: The film presents Lewis’s warning on the misuse of science to abolish man
and to undermine personal freedom and human dignity (CS Lewis Web, 2013)
If you get the chance and wanted to watch the film, this is available on
Youtube.com with the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPeyJvXU68k
Guide Questions:
1. What is scientism?
2. What is technocracy?
3. How is scientist related to “technocracy”
4. Was CS Lewis against science?
Points to Ponder:
CS Lewis was not against the science per se; rather, he was critical of the ideology of
scientism. He did not see the science being in a privileged position above other forms of
knowledge, exempt from criticism. Furthermore, although science and technology could
provide critical inputs, they were not sufficient by themselves as bases for decision-making.
5. The video contends that science and technology may be gaining increasing control over
our lives, potentially to the detriment of society. Can you cite specific situations in the
Philippines? Or in historical events of global scale?
Points to Ponder:
It may be helpful to differentiate among the fields of S&T. For example, one might argue
that the products of information technology are indeed ubiquitous and so deeply integrated
into the way we live and work that we are prone to indiscriminate and sometimes
unethical use (e.g. cyber-bullying, gaming addictions). In contrast, genetic engineering
technologies are still a hotly debated topic. Similarly, research produced by climate
scientists is still being questioned by certain sectors of populations. There are decision
makers, who do not even “believe” that climate change is happening despite the evidence.
This is far from the scenario described in the film about politicians becoming scientist’
“puppets.”
The reflection could be made more concrete by reviewing and relating to the previous
modules on the nature and practice of science, technology and development, technology
and lifestyle.
6. According to the film, how is science being likened to a religion? What were examples of
movements in history that became cause for concern that the scientific method was being
applied beyond its appropriate boundaries?
Points to Ponder:
At this point, it may be helpful to review the modules on the nature and practice of science
(especially as contrasted with religion), and the strengths and limits of the scientific
method. The scientific method, as a form of rational inquiry, is an important tool; however,
it cannot be glorified as the solution of the approach to everything, the “savior” of society.
Even today, we are confronted by the doctrine of “technological optimism”, which is the
belief that whatever the pressing issues we currently face in society (e.g. energy crisis, food
insecurity), technology will develop so as to remedy these problems. Moreover, science
should not be manipulated so as to provide the rationale for everything. Movements such
as the scientific socialism of the Marxists, and the social Darwinism and racial science in
Nazi Germany are cited as examples of when scientific terminology and approaches were
used to justify radical, controversial societal beliefs, policies and transformations.
As Galileo is supposed to have asserted, “The Bible teaches us how to go to heaven, not how
the heavens go.” Science and religion have different purposes, and to expect them to offer
answers to questions that are perhaps not valid to ask of them constitutes an abuse. This
abuse of both science and religion thus creates the false dichotomy of reason vs. faith, of
science vs. religion, when really, these are not mutually exclusive.
7. Science is supposed to promote critical thinking. According to the film, how might
science actually be promoting credulous, gullible thinking?
Points to Ponder:
The film contends that “people will believe anything if dressed up in the name of science”.
There are accepted theories/ approaches today that, upon deeper analysis, actually raise
provoking questions. A case discussed is that of Freud’s psychoanalysis, itself and all other
fields of inquiry. Another case discussed is that of Darwin’s evolution. CS Lewis asks, if our
minds, and hence our reason, were developed through a random and unguided process,
how can we trust our intellectual capacities to know the truth?
Again, you may reflect if the unquestioning acceptance of scientific-type pronouncements is

indeed the case today based on their own experience and analysis of current trends.
8. The film contends that much of modern science is about exerting power over the world.
Is this virtue an advantage or a liability/disadvantage?
Points to Ponder:
On the one hand, it is because of S&T that we are able to thrive, instead of merely survive,
even in harsh environments. Scientific utopians assert that science can bring a solution for
peace. However, without any limits or ethical bases for the use of science and technology,
this power to control may be abused (i.e. to manipulate people, to selectively breed the
human species and sterilize the “unfit” and “undesirable”, to experiment with people and
animals). The question posed is “is there nothing sacred?”
9. Why is the title of the film “The Magician’s Twin”
a. What are the strengths of S&T? What are the limits? What must complement S&T to
ensure its proper use and promote sustainable development?
Points to Ponder:
This question serves as a recap and synthesis of the film. CS Lewis compared science,
something we think of a modern invention, to magic, and something that is a more ancient
notion.
The comparison is made based on 3 points:
Science as religion
Science as credulity
Science as power
Magic creates awe and wonder. Science can also give one sense of wonder about the world,
a sense of something grander. It is in this sense that science can become a substitute for
religion, leading to its potential abuse. Magic promotes a lack of skepticism. Instead of
encouraging critical thinking, over-reliance or faith in science may lead to blind acceptance.
Lastly, magic is about harnessing and controlling the power of nature.
Science, likewise, seeks to control nature, and can become dangerous without ethical and
moral foundations.
Given these, how can we promote science that “[respects]” human rights and [honors]
human dignity”?
Can you think of a similar situation here in the Philippines, wherein some policies are
implemented in the guise of scientific basis when in fact these are not proven yet as fact?

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Below is a synopsis of the film “The Magician’s Twin” by C.S.

Lewis and how he tried to

Youtube.com with the link below:

3. How is scientist related to “technocracy”

4. Was CS Lewis against science?

Again, you may reflect if the unquestioning acceptance of scientific-type pronouncements is

9. Why is the title of the film “The Magician’s Twin”

The comparison is made based on 3 points:

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