Lessons from Mayan Astronomy

TL;DR

The paper examines the Mayan astronomical data collection, highlighting how cultural context influenced scientific progress, and emphasizes the importance of diverse analytical approaches in scientific development.

Contribution

It provides a historical analysis of Mayan astronomy and discusses lessons for modern science regarding data analysis and cultural influences.

Findings

Mayan astronomy was rich in data but lacked scientific breakthroughs.

Cultural beliefs shaped the interpretation of astronomical data.

Diverse approaches are essential for scientific advancement.

Abstract

The Mayan culture collected exquisite astronomical data for over a millennium. However, it failed to come up with the breakthrough ideas of modern astronomy because the data was analyzed within a mythological culture of astrology that rested upon false but mathematically sophisticated theories about the Universe. Have we learned the necessary lessons to prevent our current scientific culture from resembling Mayan Astronomy? Clearly, data collection by itself is not a guarantee for good science as commonly assumed by funding agencies. A vibrant scientific culture should cultivate multiple approaches to analyzing existing data and to collecting new data.