About the role of science – Between Helena Blavatsky and Ulrich Beck

Abstract

Science is the god that politicians, public figures and the media swear by today. Despite the leading role attributed to it, science in its role and significance for human civilization has been criticized. German sociologist Ulrich Beck points out that science does not serve the people, but protects the backs of politicians. More than a century before that, the founder of the Theosophical Society, Helena Blavatsky, noted that many of her contemporary scientists and researchers were adapting the facts to their hypotheses instead of drawing conclusions based on empirical material. The article presents the views of Blavatsky and Beck on the role and tasks of science, trying to find common ground in both opinions. The aim is to point out the communities and alternatives that theosophy provides in view of the importance of science in the conditions of the world risk society, as Ulrich Beck defines modernity.