Scientific Infancy I Tell You
Most of what we think we know about science, we have learned in very recent centuries which is short in the life span of our planet. Even the Egyptians' contributions were recent with respect to the lens of the earth's history. With respect to the universe, most of what we think we know has changed since the Hubble telescope.
Every time I read a post or topic about something like the formation of the universe, global warming, or inner space, I just want to chuckle. While I am interested in most scientific topics, rigid positions always remind me of how different theories have changed over the years. Something that used to be good for you is now considered bad or vise versa. Scientists are constantly revising their viewpoints on almost all topics that we are concerned with today. Who is right and who is way off base? Perhaps there is nothing that we should consider a scientific fact? Is there only scientific theory?
For example, take the composition of the earth. Relatively new research measuring the paths of earthquakes suggest that the earth is composed of a rocky crust, a mantle of hot plastic rock, an outer core of liquid iron, and an inner core believed to be of solid iron. Some think the earth's core is cooling while others think it is warming. Same of course with climate change---some say cooling, some say warming. So, we cannot agree on some basic things like our planet's composition or the core temperature's trend.
When I hear those in science who say with specificity that their theory is the only one, I think of all the religious zealots who think their religion is the only one that makes sense. So, my question to you actual or budding scientists is which of your beliefs can we actually take to the bank? What do ALL scientists believe about certain scientific matters---pick any topic from Biology to Zoology, to the Universe? Do you agree on anything? Are scientists just latter day snake oil salesmen?
Every time I read a post or topic about something like the formation of the universe, global warming, or inner space, I just want to chuckle. While I am interested in most scientific topics, rigid positions always remind me of how different theories have changed over the years. Something that used to be good for you is now considered bad or vise versa. Scientists are constantly revising their viewpoints on almost all topics that we are concerned with today. Who is right and who is way off base? Perhaps there is nothing that we should consider a scientific fact? Is there only scientific theory?
For example, take the composition of the earth. Relatively new research measuring the paths of earthquakes suggest that the earth is composed of a rocky crust, a mantle of hot plastic rock, an outer core of liquid iron, and an inner core believed to be of solid iron. Some think the earth's core is cooling while others think it is warming. Same of course with climate change---some say cooling, some say warming. So, we cannot agree on some basic things like our planet's composition or the core temperature's trend.
When I hear those in science who say with specificity that their theory is the only one, I think of all the religious zealots who think their religion is the only one that makes sense. So, my question to you actual or budding scientists is which of your beliefs can we actually take to the bank? What do ALL scientists believe about certain scientific matters---pick any topic from Biology to Zoology, to the Universe? Do you agree on anything? Are scientists just latter day snake oil salesmen?
