reply by
John Calvin
6/30/2002 (19:47) |
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Actually, your definitions seems a bit simplistic and naive. For instance, it is often the case that one person's science is another's propaganda, it's all just a bunch of name-calling.
Th distinguishing aspect of science is its hypothetical character. One posits a hypothesis, a kind of tentative proposition and then see how it plays against the many variables of experience, and what practical conseqence it might have.
Among some interesting scientific hypothesis these days are the Theory of Relativity, the Uncertainty Principle, and the Incompleteness Theorem. But these are among the most rarified. Most scientific hypothesis are just glorified propaganda.For most matters, that is, for certain guides to practical action, people usually rely on a bit of faith. The best people to talk with and who can be relied upon to listen to others are those who understand that and thus retain a large degree of liberal flexibility in regards to the dialogue of civilizations.
Of course this is just an informal statement, alot of good stuff has been written on the subject, particularly by William James
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