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RE: Rigid thinking - Let's talk Flat Earth and problems with conspiracy theories [What I write may not be what you expect]

in #flatearth8 years ago

Anybody that says that any scientific question is completely solved is wrong.

Yet when we discuss scientific topics, showing any level of uncertainty (which is always there for anything) opens the door to the idea that since scientists are not 100% certain about a given topic, that they are hiding something and are lying/wrong. This is what irritates me the most about discussing science these days, while no questions are completely solved (as is the nature of evidence driven knowledge acquisition), we (humans) are pretty certain about the validity of the conclusions derived from repeated testing and re-testing of hypotheses.

In short, just because science doesn't completely solve an issue, doesn't mean that the answer that is determined has a lot of wiggle room. In many cases the true answer is likely is exactly as has been determined (or is reasonably close).

It seems to me that these days people apply a bit too much skepticism to things. Should one ask questions? Absolutely. Should one reject evidence determined through repeated experimentation? No. Should everyone continue looking for a better answer, yes but with the knowledge that there may not be one.

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Well, look at how Newtonian physics has been supplanted by Relativity. For most purposes the old way still works fine, but there are very minute differences from Newtons theory in observations that Relativity has explained.

While the orbital positions of things is not very different, the ontological conception of the universe is radically and utterly different between the old and new theories.

Also, there are plenty of scientists that do have things to hide. From the lowliest graduate student whose motivation might just be a crush on his adviser, to government agencies concealing $billion liabilities, or creating whole new industries of grants, to push propaganda, politics, corruption, and science are all too friendly.

Skepticism is the basis for science, and certainty is the basis for religion. Every theory we now think is right is wrong. Maybe only a little bit wrong, but maybe the next theory will completely turn things on their heads - again.

Sure we should base our decisions on science and research that we can repeat and verify, but we better also question those who say they did the research, and do it again, particularly for issues that more deeply impact us.

There are no guarantees of better answers, but the answers we have are wrong anyway. To think otherwise is hubris. Do the best we can to know, but at the same time recognize that certainty is the height of folly. Humility is the proper and reasonable companion of skepticism.