Three theories on the origin of science : autogenic, theological, and magical

There is a historiographical dispute that has been dragging on for at least three centuries and shows no sign of reaching an easy resolution, having become heavily ideologized. The dispute revolves around a question as simple as it is tricky: is scientific development the result of the dechristianization of Europe, or is it rather the ripest fruit of Christian civilization? The first thesis-which we shall call the ‘theory of the autogenous origin of science’-was staunchly defended by Enlightenment thinkers, who portrayed Christian doctrine as a hindrance to scientific progress. The second thesis-here referred to as the ‘theory of the theological origin of science’-was mainly supported by Christian scholars, who emphasized the contribution of Church men to the advancement of science starting already in the Middle Ages. This article presents arguments in support of both theories, analyzing in particular the works of Bailly, Condorcet, and d’Holbach for the Enlightenment view, and of De Maistre, Duhem, and Jaki for the Catholic perspective. Subsequently, a third theory or narrative is introduced, which rejects both previous hypotheses and identifies magic as the source of scientific thought. By way of example, the ‘theory of the magical origin of science’ is illustrated through the works of Thorndike. In the conclusion, it is shown that all three theories contain partial truths as well as limitations.