Dr. Abdul Salam Al-Mayahi
The world today is undergoing a pivotal transition that could rightly be called the “Post-Science Era.” This is not an era that denies science, but rather one that redefines it. In this phase, humanity is moving beyond strict adherence to established scientific rules toward a new model based on “science correction” itself. This correction is no longer confined to theories or concepts but has become part of a global race between East and West, with China and the United States emerging as the two primary poles reshaping this landscape.
China: Navigating the Gray Zones of Knowledge
China is no longer merely the “world’s factory”; it has transformed into a global laboratory for redefining scientific principles—something we are witnessing today or will soon see unfold clearly. Moving away from the rigid adherence to Western-established scientific foundations, China has embraced intellectual and technological flexibility, driven by a calm yet profound vision.
Rather than merely applying scientific laws or adhering to traditional academic routines, China seeks to reinterpret these rules and even encourages pushing beyond the imposed boundaries of scientific thought. One of its most prominent tools in this endeavor is leveraging what is known as the “gray zones” in scientific knowledge—those ambiguous, undefined areas that the West has often ignored under the pretext of “clarity and precision.”
In these unexplored spaces, China sees its true opportunity for leadership. This approach allows it to achieve qualitative leaps in innovation and technology, granting it the ability to challenge traditional Western scientific models—perhaps even leading the future of global scientific knowledge.
This strategy gives China an immense capacity for unexpected breakthroughs that may appear to the world as irrational leaps in science and technology. It can be said that China fully understands that the true secrets of technology have yet to be discovered. Hence, its methodology is based on the principle that technology is not confined to what we currently know but to what we can explore beyond the boundaries of conventional science.
The result?
The world may soon witness Chinese scientific leadership reshaping concepts such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and smart robotics—with the potential to completely change the rules of the scientific game.
The United States: The “Trumpian Phase” Led by Elon Musk
On the other side of the world, the United States is adopting a different approach—one no less radical than China’s. Here, the role of Elon Musk stands out, embodying what can be described as the “Trumpian mindset” in dealing with science and technology.
But what do we mean by the “Trumpian Phase”?
It is not necessarily tied to Donald Trump himself but rather refers to an era of extreme boldness, where decisions are made outside traditional norms, emphasizing calculated risks and accelerating radical change. Elon Musk, with his radical approach, exemplifies this style in every project he leads—whether it’s Starlink, which aims to revolutionize global communications; Tesla, which is reinventing transportation; SpaceX, which aspires to colonize space; or countless other ventures emerging at a breathtaking pace.
What distinguishes Elon Musk is that he does not wait for scientific theories to be perfected before applying them. Instead, he moves forward even if the theories appear incomplete. This is evident in his choice of “Tesla” as a brand—named after a brilliant yet unconventional inventor from over a century ago. This approach reflects the essence of the “change through adventure” philosophy, which may seem similar to China’s approach but is executed in a distinctly American manner—turning chaos into order.
Elon Musk is not merely a businessman; he is an architect of a major intellectual and technological revolution, leading what could be called a “paradigm shift” in the American scientific and industrial landscape. While traditional scientists tend to resist change and cling to established theories, Musk advances with unconventional boldness, pushing toward a future that refuses to wait.
In the battle for global scientific and technological dominance, two camps are emerging: one led by Musk, who envisions a redefinition of what is possible, and another made up of the “guardians of the temple” who adhere to the rules and principles they were trained in.
This phenomenon is not unusual if we recall Thomas Kuhn’s philosophy on the “Structure of Scientific Revolutions,” where he argued that fundamental shifts in science do not come from within the traditional system but are often led by “outsiders”—those with the courage to challenge old foundations and break the rules revered by specialists.
From this perspective, Musk can be considered the “outsider” disrupting the status quo, while facing opposition from the high priests of traditional knowledge, who see his ideas as a threat to long-standing scientific frameworks. But history has shown us that great revolutions only occur when they face resistance. And Musk appears ready to take on this challenge, much like Copernicus and Galileo did in their time against the “guardians of the temple.”
Resistance to Change: Human and Material Inertia
Whether in China or the West, the human mind inherently resists change—a phenomenon that can be understood by drawing a parallel between humans and matter under the law of inertia. In physics, matter resists changes in its motion, and humans, by their psychological and social makeup, resist changes in their ideas and beliefs.
However, there are exceptions—those who are truly “seekers of truth,” individuals who possess an innate readiness to accept reality wherever it may lead, without clinging to outdated ideas.
In this context, Western scientists representing the “classical scientific school” often resist new theories, as seen with Kuhn’s concept of “paradigm shifts.” But in today’s world, with China and the United States locked in a battle for scientific leadership, no one can afford to stand against this rising tide.
Enemies of Science or Science Reformers?
This scientific struggle has produced two types of actors:
- Enemies of Science – those who deny facts due to ideological biases or personal interests, often spreading misinformation against scientific advancements.
- Science Reformers** – those who recognize that “science is not a closed system of absolute truths” but rather a continuous process of self-correction.
In China, this philosophy is embedded in leadership thinking, where science is not seen as a finished book but as a draft open to revision. Meanwhile, in the United States, the “Trumpian Phase” is driven by figures like Elon Musk, where skepticism of old rules becomes an innovative necessity.
Conclusion: Where Are We Headed?
If the 20th century was the Age of Science, then the 21st century is the Age of Science Correction—where knowledge is no longer a set of “fixed truths” but a flexible domain that is continuously reshaped.
In this new world, a scientific bipolarity has emerged between China and the United States:
- China: A flexible approach to knowledge, exploiting gray zones to achieve groundbreaking advancements.
- The United States: Organized chaos driven by the new Trumpians, led by Elon Musk.
This duality represents a new model for dealing with scientific principles. Scientific theory is no longer the end of the road but rather the starting point for an ongoing process of questioning.
Will the world fall under Chinese scientific leadership? Or will the United States maintain its dominance through visionaries like Elon Musk?
The answer may lie in each side’s ability to overcome its own inertia—for the laws that govern matter also govern the human mind.
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