Isaac Asimov Religion In The Foundation

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Isaac Asimov considers himself to be a rationalist, believing in concepts that are supported with evidence. He does not believe in conclusions that cannot be reached without the use of the scientific method or the rule of reason. As such, Asimov does not believe in the existence of a higher god and is agnostic in his religious beliefs. This viewpoint transcends Asimov into his novel, Foundation. In the narrative, science is presented as a religion, using satirical supernatural beliefs to spread scientific knowledge to the kingdoms of the Foundation empire while remaining an insignificant concept to the people of Terminus. The religion is introduced as the Foundation’s way of guaranteeing the acceptance of scientific knowledge within the empire. The character, Lewis Bort, explains this through his experience on Anacreon within the third part of the novel:

The priesthood has sole control of the instruments of science we have given Anacreon, but they’ve learned to handle these tools only empirically. They believe in this religion entirely…For instance, two …show more content…

The scientific concepts were taught to the priests of the neighboring kingdoms as religious values in the name of the “Galactic Spirit” (130). The people of Terminus know the religion to be a hoax, crafted by Salvor Hardin to unite the empire. This concept is directly related to Asimov’s rationalist beliefs. Asimov believes there is not enough evidence to conclude the existence of higher beings; however, he does believe in the existence of science and its direct conclusions. As such, he has chosen to incorporate these ideals by crafting this scientific religion as it holds scientific backing. There are always; however, those who choose to deny empirical facts. Religious concepts are held as the ultimate truth, influencing more people within a

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