When Science Is Done

Science can prove things in a way that cannot be refuted, it explains black and white, determines sickness and health, proves dead or alive. Perowne’s life depends on science, everything he does, everything he believes, is rooted in the truth of science. Although science is hard fact and very difficult to argue with, I think there are some things science will never come close to proving or even explaining.

Personally, I would never put all my faith in science as Perowne does. Although the issue of Perowne’s faith is not directly addressed in Saturday, I do not believe him to be a man of strong faith. I think faith is the divider when it comes to putting all confidence in science, and simply believing in the power of science. Whereas Perowne believes that science will prove everything one day as long as scientists continue to work, I think there are things science will never prove. I could never put all of my faith in science for one reason: my faith. I trust in science, and even find comfort in the power of science and its ability to prove things flat out, but I believe science can only go so far and then faith steps in. I believe that God works over science, that even after a grim diagnosis, months of chemo, and a doctor’s estimation of only days left, God will trump science.

Ironically, I think that the topics that Perowne struggles with the most in Saturay, are things that science cannot explain. I think he is so disturbed by the plane crash, the protest, and Daisy’s pregnancy, because the one thing he trusts most, science, cannot make them make sense to Perowne. Science can absolutely prove these things. Simple tests can determine exactly what went wrong with the plane engine, was it a fuel emission problem or did a part come loose? Anything as simple as a urine sample can confirm Daisy’s pregnancy and a quick section in a biology book can explain how it happened. Voter polls can determine exactly why so many people are upset with the future war. But science cannot explain these things. There are no tests or experiments to explain exactly why Perowne is so worried about the plane crash. Why does it linger in his mind through the night and the next day? Why does he stand and watch and continually check the news? Science cannot explain why Daisy did not tell her father she was pregnant. Science cannot explain to Perowne why Daisy wanted to be pregnant. Science cannot explain what emotions are running in the protestors, why they want to stand outside in the crowd and fight for something they believe in.

At some point science can only do so much. Sometimes it takes human emotion; only a daughter’s tearful words can explain her joy, excitement, and fear of an unexpected pregnancy. There comes a point where science must turn everything over to humanity, emotions, and faith to do the rest. Putting your faith in science is not unwise but not knowing that there is something else that steps in when science is done, that is unfortunate.