Man sollte nicht den Finger, der auf den Mond weist, für den Mond selbst halten

A Buddhist parable teaches us that we should not mistake the finger pointing at the moon for the moon itself. Yet, we often regard the image that natural science paints as the only legitimate way to perceive reality. To know in a scientific sense means to make phenomena visible using a specific method. However, methods are not something absolutely predetermined: different methods capture different aspects, and the original image transforms. One should not be deceived: natural science does not show reality 'as it is.' In a method-relative way, it rather constructs a castle in the air with a thousand details, details that all fit together. The audience stands speechless before this admirable structure. It seems unimaginable that everything could look entirely different.