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Dick,
***I know that Harv! I have a very good understanding (in fact probably better than your understanding) of exactly how science proceeds.***
I would be very disappointed in you if you didn't know more than me about it. However, for the sake of everyone reading, it is better to just state my whole view so that any agreements or disagreements are seen in their proper context. If possible, let's just agree that neither of us is condensending to the other. We are simply stating our case (most of which is redundant). I know you know a great deal - I have a great deal of respect for you.
***If you would look at the procedure instead of just holding forth that "authorities never make stupid mistakes" and you might learn something.***
I could care less what the authorities think unless it appears to be well-grounded. It just so happens that to be an authority in academia usually means making some good choices. I know you don't buy into that, but my view is that a great deal of rationality is associated with the leading philosophers of science. Some of them I don't care to accept their arguments (e.g., van Fraasen), but I admire the excellent arguments that come from such people. I was criticized by one individual for saying that Weinberg said something obtuse. I have no problem making that kind of statement if I think it is true.
***What you miss is that I have looked at that process and conceived of a way of setting it down as an abstract procedure, including the need for verification. Once that is done, a lot of dead end ideas become quite obvious!...Try criticizing my steps instead of where you think I am going!
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Okay, I criticize the step of abstraction from physical statements (i.e., sense impression become undefined data) and then translating back to physical statements (i.e., your conclusion about the kind of limitations that exist). I think abstraction is unwarranted unless you can use it as a tool. But, whatever abstraction you invent, this is still a tool. The tool must be useful or it is unnecessary (btw, I forget that criticism in my last post on my summary of criticisms).
Warm regards, Harv |
