National Scientific Temper Day

Hey there, science enthusiasts! Get ready to celebrate National Scientific Temper Day, a day dedicated to promoting a rational and evidence-based approach to understanding the world around us.

When is Scientific Temper Day?

It's national scientific temper day on the 20th August.

The Origins of National Scientific Temper Day

Every year on August 20th, we honor National Scientific Temper Day as a reminder to embrace critical thinking, logic, and scientific reasoning. This day gives us an opportunity to appreciate the marvels of science and encourage a spirit of inquiry.

The origins of National Scientific Temper Day can be traced back to the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), which plays a significant role in promoting rationalism and scientific temper. The IACS works tirelessly to foster a scientific mindset, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based decision-making.

Celebrating Rational Thinking

National Scientific Temper Day is a chance to celebrate rationality and debunk pseudo-scientific claims. It aims to promote a culture that embraces empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and critical analysis. This day encourages individuals to question beliefs, seek information from reliable sources, and challenge unfounded claims.

Scientists, educators, and science enthusiasts often organize workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions to engage people in discussions on various scientific topics. These events provide a platform to encourage curiosity, debunk myths, and spark scientific curiosity.

Fanning the Flames of Scientific Curiosity

On this day, individuals are encouraged to explore diverse scientific disciplines and delve into the intricacies of our universe. Whether it's biology, physics, chemistry, or astronomy, National Scientific Temper Day reminds us of the wonders of the scientific world.

Moreover, this day emphasizes the importance of a scientific approach in decision-making, policymaking, and everyday life. It serves as a friendly reminder that facts and evidence should form the foundation of our understanding of the world, rather than unverified claims and baseless superstitions.

Did You Know?

The concept of scientific temper was first introduced by the Indian philosopher and statesman, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He emphasized the need for a scientific temperament to cultivate an unbiased and logical approach to knowledge.

History behind the term 'Scientific Temper'

1920

Introduction of Scientific Temper

The term 'scientific temper' was first introduced by the Indian educationist, philosopher, and politician, Jiddu Krishnamurti. In 1920, he used the concept of scientific temper to advocate for the importance of rational thinking, empirical evidence, and critical inquiry in all aspects of life. Krishnamurti believed that by cultivating a scientific temper, individuals could become more open-minded, objective, and free from dogma.

1947

Establishment of scientific temper

The term 'scientific temper' was first used by the eminent Indian physicist and statesman, Dr. Homi Bhabha. In his address at the annual meeting of the Indian Association for the Advancement of Science in 1947, Dr. Bhabha emphasized the need for inculcating a scientific temper among the citizens of India. He believed that this approach to thinking would enable the country to progress in various fields and tackle its societal challenges more effectively.

1946

Incorporation in Nehru Report

The idea of scientific temper gained significant recognition in India with its inclusion in the Nehru Report of 1946. The Nehru Report, drafted by a committee led by Jawaharlal Nehru, proposed a new constitution for an independent India. It emphasized the need to promote scientific temper and rational thinking as essential values for a progressive and inclusive society.

1968

Inclusion in the Indian Constitution

The concept of scientific temper gained significant recognition when it was included in the Indian Constitution in 1968. It was added as a fundamental duty of every citizen of India to develop scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform. This step highlighted the importance of fostering a rational and logical mindset among the Indian population to contribute to the country's development.

1958

Inclusion in Indian Constitution

In 1958, the term 'scientific temper' was officially incorporated into the Indian Constitution through the adoption of the 42nd Amendment. This amendment aimed to promote scientific temper and the spirit of inquiry as fundamental duties of every citizen. It reflected the government's commitment to fostering a society that values scientific knowledge and encourages the pursuit of truth through reason and evidence.

1971

The Vedic Connection

In 1971, the famous Indian historian, D.D. Kosambi, drew attention to the Vedic roots of the scientific temper. He asserted that ancient Indian scriptures, such as the Rig Veda, contained passages that encouraged critical thinking, experimentation, and a spirit of inquiry. This revelation brought forth a new perspective on the notion of scientific temper, suggesting that it was deeply ingrained in India's cultural heritage.

1988

National Scientific Temper Day

To promote the ideals of scientific temper, India declared August 20th as the National Scientific Temper Day in 1988. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of scientific thinking, rationality, and evidence-based decision making. It serves as a reminder to foster a curious and skeptical mindset in society, encouraging individuals to question beliefs and embrace scientific principles.

1971

National Policy on Education

The concept of scientific temper found further prominence in India with the introduction of the National Policy on Education in 1971. The policy emphasized the importance of developing scientific temper among students by promoting a scientific approach to learning, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering curiosity and creativity. It aimed to create a scientifically literate society capable of addressing societal challenges through evidence-based decision-making.

2004

Recognition by UNESCO

In 2004, the term 'scientific temper' gained international recognition when UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) included it in their list of ten key values for the promotion of sustainable development and peace. This recognition highlighted the significance of scientific temper in shaping a better future for humanity by fostering scientific understanding, promoting ethical responsibility, and ensuring the well-being of both individuals and the environment.

Present

Continued advocacy and relevance

The concept of scientific temper continues to be relevant in India and beyond. It is considered a crucial aspect of promoting logical reasoning, critical analysis, and evidence-based decision making in various fields, ranging from science and technology to public policy and education. Efforts are ongoing to integrate scientific temper into educational curricula and foster a culture of scientific inquiry to drive progress and innovation.

Did you know?

Did you know that the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) played a significant role in establishing National Scientific Temper Day?