TOO MUCH DOGMATISM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22032, 12 February 1935, Page 13

TOO MUCH DOGMATISM

NEW ZEALANDERS' VIEWS SPIRIT OF INQUIRY NEEDED MODERN SCIENTIFIC THEORIES A tendency among New Zealanders to dogmatism was attributed by Mr. K. E. Bullcn, speaking at the Rotary Club luncheon yesterday, to a failure to "think mathematically." Mr. Billion, who recently spent two and a-lialf years in England and on the Continent. is lecturer in mathematics at tho Auckland University College,

Mr. Bullen pointed out that mathematics had far wider implications than a study of arithmetic, algebra and geometry at school would indicate. In its wider sense mathematics invoKed a philosophy of life. It implied a freedom from all pre-conceived ideas. Initially mathematics should take nothing for granted. Naturally modern scientific theories clashed in some ways with the "common-sense" ideas of tho average man, just, as the theory of a global earth conflicted with them centuries ago.

Relativity had broken with the intuitive ideas of space and time, yet it was untrue to say that Newton's laws had been found to be wrong. They had merely been modified. Science advanced by a series of approximations, a sort of refinement of laws. The quantum theory, by showing that there was a margin of error in all physical measurements, had led scientists to adopt an outlook without dogmatism. It was this new spirit of inquiry which offered so piuch hope for the settlement of many of the world's troubles to-day, added Mr. Bullen,. The removal of prejudices against other countries, the careful choosing of a path between the evils of capitalism and the fallacies of Communism, all would result from a "mathematical" outlook on life. "The 'man-in-the-street' is inclined to forget that tho first commandment against idolatry may apply as much to the idolatry of a theory or an idea as of a craven image," he said. Since his return to New Zealand he had been amazed bv the wave of hysteria which seemed to sweep over people whenever Soviet Russia was mentioned. He had'-found that when lie mentioned his experiences his listeners were avid to seize on anything he said upholding their own theories and to condemn him when, lie mention experiences contrasting with them. He met with the same attitude amonc supporters of the regime as among its detractors. It was the same oVer tho question of Germany. New Zealand seemed to be the last country in the world to relax war hatred. The English attitude was greatly in contrast. In conclusion, Mr. Bullen quoted Lord Lothian's remark: "Already it is apparent that those countries which have remained faithful to liberty and the scientific spirit hare made most "progress against the current world d«piession." The luncheon, which was held in Milne and Choyce's Reception Hall, was presided over by Mr. G. X. Taylor. Among the visitors were Mr. C. E. Walton and Mr. J. Denholm (Sydney), Mr. E. E. Vaile (Rotorua), Mr. C. H. M. Simpson (Mercury Bay), Mr. G. ST Williams (Dannevirke), the Pev. W. Lawson Marsh, Mr. A. Bain and Mr. G. S. Bullen (Auckland).