The importance of occult knowledge in the development of modern science

Abstract

The periodic development of the philosophy of science is seen through several periods, including the relationship between science and esotericism. This also includes esoteric knowledge, occultism, religion and mythology. Noted philosopher and scientist Paul Feyerabend argues that «science should be de-centralized as the ideology of the scientific elite and equated with mythology, religion, and even magic». That is, the philosophy of science today recognizes a number of phenomena and hidden knowledge that go beyond the scope of science, but cannot clearly explain the mechanism of the emergence of mystical knowledge. This terminology is called occultism or occult knowledge. Man always has a special attitude towards mystical phenomena and supernatural phenomena. People who could not understand something without a scientific or logical explanation tried to imagine powerful «gods» responsible for certain events. Occultism is the belief in certain mystical powers that can influence human life. Communication with these forces is available only to selfless people. There are occult practices that help connect with these forces. The Orthodox Church considers the occult a dangerous phenomenon that has nothing to do with Christianity. Occultism is based on the idea of self-development and life outside the Creator. It is a delusion that the tree of good and evil is not only unreasonable, but also useful and harmful to humanity. Occultism is closely connected with the sin of pride and the belief that a person, for example, can turn to the forces of nature and independently endure all the hardships of this world. This article is devoted to the problem of occultism and its well-known currents, reveals their terminological features, meaning and content. The role of occultism in modern science, the relationship between science and occultism is discussed, and a historical analysis is given. The article shows the historical significance of occultism, the emergence and development of occultism, its main branches and directions, its actual significance.