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jimiproton
Japan
110 Posts |
Posted - 28 May 2008 : 07:56:20
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Science fails to reaffirm the tenuous nature of the growth of knowledge. It continues to look for a pattern, but keeps finding a picture instead. It looks like Enrico was alluding to the "physical theory" of Pierre Duhem, who I believe was on the mark. However, by the time Quine came along, the picture had completely departed from the pattern that was growing at the time. The result is the "Copenhagen Interpretation" of quantum phenomena, without any deep reality. MM retains a concept of such a deep reality (and adheres to common sense -also a litmus test of Duhem's that is often forgotten today).
I have to go back to the previous post (made 5 years ago) just to paint a "picture" of scientific development in progress. Here's how physical science is growing today:
When playing poker, and you have 5 different cards in the first hand, what do you do? What I do is throw away the four lowest cards. Chances are equal for a pair (or better) with all of them -- you may as well apply the same chances to the highest card.
Dark matter runs on assumptions that are as arbitrary as any other. The highest denominator in this case is the following: "if I'm going to arrive at a break-through, I may as well apply the same chances to my tenure, or my research grant, etc."
I think it would be good for academics to face this from time to time, then continue nursing fledgling theories with clear consciences. Science would also start to make sense with the public at large (and probably get more grants). |
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