more on the science thread

I should have linked earlier to this speech by Feynman,
which is one of my favorite discussions on the nature
of science...

http://www.physics.brocku.ca/etc/cargo_cult_science.html

-Carl

> I should have linked earlier to this speech by Feynman,
> which is one of my favorite discussions on the nature
> of science...
>
> http://www.physics.brocku.ca/etc/cargo_cult_science.html

Though it's not perfect. While he's careful to say things
like "I was unable to investigate this phenomenon" when
Geller's keybending didn't work, I doubt he really knows
that rhinoceros horn fails to increase potency (in fact,
deer antler velvet very well might... it makes sense, since
the tissue forms in response to sex hormones... not that I
speak from experience or anything...). Likewise, I doubt
he knows how effective traditional medicine was. But his
point is still well-taken (by me, at least).

-Carl

--- In metatuning@yahoogroups.com, "Carl Lumma" <clumma@y...> wrote:
>
> > I should have linked earlier to this speech by Feynman,
> > which is one of my favorite discussions on the nature
> > of science...
> >
> > http://www.physics.brocku.ca/etc/cargo_cult_science.html
>
> Though it's not perfect. While he's careful to say things
> like "I was unable to investigate this phenomenon" when
> Geller's keybending didn't work, I doubt he really knows
> that rhinoceros horn fails to increase potency (in fact,
> deer antler velvet very well might... it makes sense, since
> the tissue forms in response to sex hormones... not that I
> speak from experience or anything...). Likewise, I doubt
> he knows how effective traditional medicine was. But his
> point is still well-taken (by me, at least).

Also I'm not sure about his claim that we're in a scientific
age. There are plenty of idiotic things done in the name of
science. Routine irradiation of tonsils, for example. Cost
my mother thyroid surgery when she was 40.

-Carl