Science Is ...

 Denial #1

It is commonly understood that science is an evidence-based discipline. A theory is accepted as fact only if the evidence observed conforms to what the theory states, and the results are repeatable and reproducible, consistently. 

It is only common sense actually. This approach has worked wonders for humanity. For example, our understanding of Newton's laws keeps buildings standing, bridges intact, and planes from crashing. Similarly, a thorough understanding of cells and their evolutionary activity has created drugs and methods that improved healthcare, and saved lives. The list goes on and on. 

To put it simply, our whole existence depends on this scientific methodology. It has served us very well indeed. 

But is it evidence-based as it is made out to be? Let's take a closer look. 

Newton's laws of mechanics have shown to be correct, consistently (ignore the Lorentz factor for the moment). As NASA was preparing Neil Armstrong to go to the moon, however, there was nothing to suggest that Newton's laws would work on the moon. 

Granted, NASA sent Apollo 10 to the moon to check things out two months earlier. But, because F=ma is true on earth today, was true on the moon two months ago, then saying that therefore F=ma will be true at the moment Armstrong went to the moon is not science! It is at best a wild speculation. 

I used the example of going to the moon to illustrate, but the same fallacy applies to virtually everything scientific. 

A person who says that because something worked yesterday and today, then it has to work tomorrow is not a scientist. Applying such an induction in a mathematical proof will get you zero marks. 

Science as is practiced is based on evidence observed of historical events. From there, it is a gigantic leap of unexplained faith that the same would happen in future. The next time you board a plane, understand that you willingly bet your life on this unexplained unjustifiable faith that Bernoulli's laws will last throughout your flight. Which is more ridiculous to a scientist: Doubt that Bernoulli's laws will hold, or faith that Bernoulli's laws are perfect?

To cut a long story short, the bedrock underpinning all science is nothing more than faith, of the blind, meek, child-like, superstitious type. There is nothing embarrasing about this, but it's the truth.

Your ego might be hurt, but superstition goes hand in hand with science. Do you deny?


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