Is Spiritism a Science?

Once in a while it is discussed at spirit press if Spiritism can be considered effectively a Science, as Kardec stated at the famous passage from the book What is Spiritism?

Let’s recall what the encoder of the spirit doctrine wrote:

“Spiritism is at the same time a Science of observation and a philosophic doctrine. As practical science it consists in the intercourse between us and the spirits; as philosophy it comprises all the moral consequences which emanate from those intercourses.

It can be defined like that: Spiritism is a science that is about the nature, origin and destiny of the Spirits, as well as their intercourses with the corporal world.” (What is Spiritism – Preamble.) (It was emphasized by us.) 

Recently, in a letter published in this journal, a reader said that the spiritual doctrine cannot be considered religion because it has no dogmas or rituals, and also "it cannot be considered science because its phenomena, by not repeating methodically, cannot be studied."

It is obvious that this is a mere opinion expressed by a lay person , since in both cases - denying the condition of religion, or denying the status of science - the author of similar idea is totally wrong.

The advent of so-called social sciences should be pondered by all those who like to say first, then think later, when it corrects, in any sector of human activity, is first, to think - and think well - before issuing our opinion.

The sciences of observation, as its name implies, does not operate like the hard sciences, such as physics, chemistry and mathematics. The laboratory of Spiritism and its methodology are necessarily different, and even so it does not lose its status as science, that effectively it is. ⁽¹⁾

If the reader nourishes any questions regarding this issue, we suggest you read the interview published in this same issue, which was granted by the Otaciro Rangel Nascimento, PhD in physics from PUC in Rio de Janeiro, currently a professor and researcher at the Institute of Physics USP São Carlos.

One of the questions posed to the illustrious teacher was: - What are the main points of connection between the conventional science, with your research and quest for understanding of the facts in the formulation of laws and principles, and Spiritism?

Here is his answer:

"I've said it previously. The connection points are precisely the methods of analysis used by both. Spiritism is a science of observation and as such we cannot have dominion over the facts, because the spirits have not willingly submits to the command of the scientist. In this sense it is like astronomy whose facts are observed, but not performed in the laboratory as other areas of material science."

In the answer to the following question, Otaciro Rangel said:

"The study of Science and Spiritism are to me my soul educators’ resources. The structures of logical understanding of Science and Spiritism are equivalent, and understanding both it helps me to live with more balance and serenity. Know yourself as immortal and know that I will always learn is a great happiness."

⁽¹⁾ On the method adopted by Kardec in the codification of spiritual doctrine, read the editorial entitled "Folly and its antidote." Here's the link:
http://www.oconsolador.com.br/ano3/122/editorial.html