Chaingang
Posts: 1727
Joined: 10/24/2005
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: mnottertail
Science still holds as universal truth things that are still conjecture, Einsteins theory of relativity being one of them.
This wasn't answered directly that I could see, so I would like to do so now...
Your statement is not only untrue, it also would seem to indicate a fundamental misunderstanding with the processes of science and the meaning of theory. In general science holds nothing as "true" - there is evidence (usually gathered by some type of observation) and there is theory.
...
the·o·ry - noun
plural the·o·ries
1.a. Systematically organized knowledge applicable in a relatively wide variety of circumstances, especially a system of assumptions, accepted principles, and rules of procedure devised to analyze, predict, or otherwise explain the nature or behavior of a specified set of phenomena. b. Such knowledge or such a system.
2.Abstract reasoning; speculation.
3.A belief that guides action or assists comprehension or judgment: rose early, on the theory that morning efforts are best; the modern architectural theory that less is more.
4.An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture.
[Late Latin theoria, from Greek, from theoros, spectator : probably thea, a viewing + -oros, seeing.]
...
Evidence must usually stand the rigours of the idea of reproducible results - what one person may observe must also be observable my others under similar circumstances. The point, of course, is consensus. Science accepts nothing as a theory without evidence. Theory is normally held to be essentially "useful" and not precisely "true." Theories remain useful until such time as new information requires that a given theory be altered are dispensed with altogether. Theories are elastic because science abhors dogma.
Since you mentioned the Theory of Relativity it's worth mentioning that the theory has undergone much tweaking over the years. Theoretical Physics is a branch of science that places heavy emphasis on complex mathematics and what are often called "thought experiments" - in fact, most theories in the field of Theoretical Physics are hotly disputed because consensus has not yet become possible. So your point about the Theory of Relativity is really just hogwash.
Now what you could have referenced that might have made more sense would have been some unseen and generally accepted as "true" theories like those surrounding the notion of gravity. Have you seen any gravity lately? Have you measured any gravity? What does gravity weigh? In normal conversation the workings of gravity are taken as a given. No one disputes gravity - indeed, in the normal sense of it gravity is highly observable phenomena. I am fond of the performance artist Laurie Anderson who has pointed out that walking is really a description of the twin acts of both falling and then catching yourself from falling - or in another sense, being pulled down by the workings of gravity toward the center of the earth and then resisting gravity by keeping yourself upright by strength of your own musculature and bone structure. So anyway, in the normal sense of things gravity is a very well established theory.
In the non normal sense of things gravity is a hugely troubling issue. When it comes to Theoretical Physics gravity is one of the hotly disputed issues related to other contested issues like Dark Matter and so on.
But such is science. Theories are suggested. They stand the test of time and become accepted nearly as fact, they acquire dozens of practical uses. Then something comes along and brings a fundamental idea into question because of other phenomena.
The scientist struggles to create an understandable model of reality. He is attempting to both construct a model while still also trying to figure out what some of the intrinsic pieces might be. The model is held together only by temporary glue because at any moment a piece may have to be tweaked to make room for new information. The fundamental ethic and drive behind science can be encapsulated by the statement: "We don't know, let's try to figure it out."
So with science there are no "universal truths", there is only ever mere "conjecture" - everything science does is a best guess based upon the evidence as it is known right now. And who knows what the future may hold?
< Message edited by Chaingang -- 12/21/2005 3:30:22 AM >
_____________________________
"Everything flows, nothing stands still." (Πάντα ῥεῖ καὶ οὐδὲν μένει) - Heraclitus
|
RE: Intelligent Design Controversy - 
Profile
New Messages
No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages
Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages
Locked w/o New Messages
Post New Thread