Seven Valleys and the Scientific Method

By Robert Sarracino

Presented at the Irfan Colloquia Session #36 (English)
London School of Economics: London, England
July 13-15, 2001.

published in Lights of Irfan, volume 3, pages 129-138
© 2002, ‘Irfán Colloquia

Abstract:

The Seven Valleys, which in the words of Shoghi Effendi "describes the seven stages which the soul of the seeker must needs traverse ere it can attain the object of its existence", is Bahá'u'llah's "greatest mystical composition". And yet, it is also a practical and inspirational guide and sourcebook for those engaged in a process of discovery - whether self discovery or discovery into the secrets of nature through scientific investigation and research.

This presentation will discuss the scientific method and will then advance the view that the essence of the scientific method is contained in The Seven Valleys. Finally, it will discuss application of the truths contained in the Seven Valleys to the three primary activities of the practising scientist, namely teaching, scholarship and research.

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