“Science, Politics, and Gnosticism” is an essay written by political philosopher Eric Voegelin in which he critiques the philosophical movement of Gnosticism and its influence on modern society. Voegelin argues that Gnosticism, a belief system that emphasizes the knowledge of a higher spiritual reality and the attainment of salvation through that knowledge, has infiltrated modern politics and science in the form of ideologies such as Marxism and positivism.
Voegelin contends that these ideologies, while claiming to be based on scientific or rational principles, are actually rooted in Gnostic ideas and promote a false understanding of reality. He argues that they lead to a rejection of traditional religious and spiritual beliefs and a focus on the mastery and control of the material world through human efforts.
Additionally, Voegelin claims that these Gnostic ideologies lead to a disregard for the inherent limitations and fallibility of human knowledge and a belief in the ability to create a perfect society through political or scientific means. This ultimately leads to totalitarian and oppressive political systems, as those in power attempt to force their flawed understanding of reality onto society.
Voegelin suggests that in order to avoid the dangers of Gnosticism, society should reject these ideologies and instead adopt a humility and openness to the transcendent and spiritual aspects of reality. He argues that this approach allows for a more authentic understanding of the human condition and the limitations of human knowledge and power.
In summary, “Science, Politics, and Gnosticism” is an essay that critiques the influence of Gnosticism on modern politics and science, arguing that ideologies such as Marxism and positivism, while claiming to be based on rational and scientific principles, are in fact rooted in Gnostic ideas and lead to a disregard for traditional religious and spiritual beliefs, a false understanding of reality and oppressive political systems. Voegelin suggests that society should reject these ideologies and instead adopt a humility and openness to the transcendent and spiritual aspects of reality to avoid the dangers of Gnosticism.