#scientific method

[apoemaday]

Scientific Method

by James Tadd Adcox

Picture the ocean. No. Picture the entire thing, all at once. You are not doing it. It’s okay. One day something terrible will happen, and I will not be prepared.

[the-untalented-photographer]

[robreyart]

Bioluminescence: Question, Hypothesis, Experiment Oil, 30 x 20 inches, 2020

The light of life and the scientific method. These points of light and inspiration stand in contrast to the lanterns and lights that are historically thought to be sources of illumination but are now dimmed; mythologies and superstitions humans have created as we struggled in the dark of ignorance to understand our world. But the process of science has revealed a luminous planet, glowing with the magic of biological reality, more intricate and amazing than we could have ever imagined.

Prints: https://robrey.storenvy.com

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

"Evolution is a fact, not a theory. It really happened, and the fossil record and the molecular biology all confirm it. And yet, in this country, the United States, which is the leading scientific country in the world, we have people who are not only ignorant of science, but who are actively hostile to it and to the scientific method. And that is a serious problem, because science is not just a body of knowledge, it's a way of thinking. It's a way of skeptically interrogating the universe with a fine understanding of human fallibility." -- Carl Sagan

[mckitterick]

The 10 Non-Commandments

1. Treat others as you would want them to treat you, and can reasonably expect them to want to be treated. Think about their perspective.

2. We have the responsibility to consider others, including future generations.

3. Be open-minded and be willing to alter your beliefs with new evidence.

4. The scientific method is the most reliable way of understanding the natural world.

5. Strive to understand what is most likely to be true, not to believe what you wish to be true.

6. Every person has the right to control of their body.

7. Belief in gods is not necessary to be a good person or to live a full and meaningful life.

8. Be mindful of the consequences of all your actions and recognize that you must take responsibility for them.

9. There is no one right way to live.

10. Leave the world a better place than you found it.

source: CNN

[a-typical]

Part of the reason that children are afraid of the dark may be that, in our entire evolutionary history up until just a moment ago, they never slept alone. Instead, they nestled safely, protected by an adult, usually Mum. In the enlightened west we stick them alone in a dark room, say goodnight, and have difficulty understanding why they're sometimes upset. It makes good evolutionary sense for children to have fantasies of scary monsters. In a world stalked by lions and hyenas, such fantasies help prevent defenceless toddlers from wandering too far from their guardians. How can this safety machinery be effective for a vigorous, curious young animal unless it delivers industrial strength terror? Those who are not afraid of monsters tend not to leave descendants.

— The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark - Carl Sagan (1996)

[stone-cold-groove]

The Copernican solar system. From the How-and-Why Wonder Book of Famous Scientists - 1964.

[codexofforbiddenknowledge]

Trusting science means questioning it. That’s how progress is made! 🚀🔬 What do you think?

[jone-slugger]

Wrote this for @voyagerweek! It's my favorite episode, Scientific Method :) You can also read it on AO3

A Vulcan Friendship

When she rings the chime to his quarters, Kathryn is uncharacteristically nervous. She shouldn’t be: this is Tuvok, after all. Her trusted advisor; her oldest friend on her ship; her Security chief, with thirteen department heads reporting to him. She cringes at her own words. They resound in her head as if she was saying them at that precise moment, angry, demanding. Crazed.

They haven’t really had the chance to talk about it. Sorting everything out and supervising the recovery of her crew has been her top priority.  

But she still remembers his words in her ready room when she told him she’d go to renaissance Tuscany to rest. I will join you for a glass of wine.

Of course, she hasn’t had time to go spend time in the holodeck. She isn’t even sure if he was serious in his offer of company.

Vulcans aren’t supposed to lie.

So she tells herself, and so she hopes, for she wouldn’t want anything to ruin her finest friendship aboard. Not even those aliens.

Tuvok appears at the other side of the door to his quarters, the purple lights illuminating half his face, his expression emotionless, as always.

She smiles.

“May I come in?”

“Of course, Captain”.

She follows him to his couch and sees the incense still burning on his table. It seems this experience has left everyone rattled. Even stoic Tuvok.

“Is there anything I can assist you with?” he asks, dutiful as ever. He doesn’t seem angry at her outburst in her ready room.

Vulcans aren’t supposed to feel.

That’s what her mind provides, but even she knows that’s not strictly true. They might not show emotions, or be governed by them, but Vulcans definitely feel. For a second, she wishes he were a Klingon. At least with them one could always know if something had offended them.

“I think I owe you a glass of wine in renaissance Siena?” there is a questioning tone in her suggestion, as if she were afraid of simply stating it—afraid that he might consider it an order, and not what it is: an attempt at mending anything that might have been broken during the silent alien invasion.

His eyebrow rises ever so slightly, as if wondering about her true motives.

“I merely suggested it, but it was not meant to be an obligation, Captain”.

“It’s no obligation. It’s an invitation. If you’d like to join me, I would be happy”. And grateful. And relieved.

“It would be an acceptable use of my time”, Tuvok agrees and a smile lightens up her face.

“Great! I’ll book a couple of hours on the holodeck”.

“I shall join you then”.

Kathryn nods, satisfied. There is not much else to discuss—not there, anyway. Thus, she walks out of his quarters, satisfied. Happier. Lighter.

-----------------------------------------------

Renaissance Siena is as beautiful as Kathryn remembers, and the inn she has been wanting to try for weeks does not disappoint. Tuvok joins her as soon as she calls for him, dressed in clothes of the era, and his characteristic neutral expression.

Wine soon starts flowing.

He drinks as much as her, but Vulcan physiology is stronger. She is tipsy faster than she thought she’d be. Maybe it’s time to stop drinking before she regrets it.

Or maybe she could have one more glass.

It’s the sweet, cozy haze of alcohol what makes her finally open up and tell him everything she’s been meaning to. Not that she couldn’t do it without the alcohol. But it definitely helps.

“Tuvok, I treated you quite badly th-the other day”, her words slur just a little, enough for him to close the bottle with a cork and give it to a waiter that walks behind her.

“You were being the subject of cruel experimentation, Captain. You were not yourself”.

“I feel miserable thinkinggg just how bad I treated you”.

“As I said, it was not your fault. I do not blame you for it”.

“Still. You didn’t deserve it. I knew better than that”. She tries to hug him, but he retreats, not completely comfortable with the display of tactile comfort.

He offers a hand, instead.

She squeezes it immediately, holding on to it like a lifeline. It is quite an important gesture for a Vulcan. Her friend. With his hand, he is wordlessly telling her that he is not angry, that she shouldn’t be too hard on herself, that this time she shouldn’t allow guilt to consume her. That everything is okay between the two of them.

“I’m rrrr-really sorry that I snapped at you”, she finally lands in her apology. “I hope you can forgive me. It was unprofessional of a cap'n.”

“There is nothing to forgive. And, as such, you should not concern yourself about it anymore”.

Tuvok stands up, and helps her follow suit.

“I believe you are quite intoxicated, Captain. I shall accompany you to your quarters”.

The suggestion seems acceptable, so she leans into his arm and allows him to lead the way.

“Tuvok… you’re my best friend”.

“I, too, share your sentiment, Captain”.

The hangover tomorrow is certainly going to be monumental, but today, at that very moment, Kathryn feels at peace.          

[victusinveritas]

[adastra-sf]

We make our world significant by the courage of our questions and by the depth of our answers.

- Carl Sagan

[pratchettquotes]

Ridcully flailed at a passing shark. "They won't attack you if you make a lot of noise and splash around," he said.

"I thought that's when they will attack you, sir," Ponder called out.

"Ah, an interesting practical experiment," said the Dean, craning to watch.

Terry Pratchett, The Last Continent

[odinsblog]

[frank-olivier]

The Battle for the Truth: Science, Rhetoric, and the Public Sphere

Reality is nothing but a collective hunch. — Lily Tomlin

The pursuit of knowledge is marked by a paradoxical dynamic where systems embodying the principles of scientific inquiry, acknowledging their own incompleteness and embracing the provisional nature of truth, are frequently attacked by counterparts that proclaim absolute certainty yet often lack a foundation in empirical evidence. This phenomenon raises a profound question about why rigorously scientific systems, aware of their limitations, incur criticism from unscientific systems that claim completeness. The underlying reasons for this critique are rooted in epistemological, psychological, and sociological factors that drive this seemingly counterintuitive conflict.

At the heart of scientific systems lies an inherent humility, an acknowledgment of the complexity of the subject matter, and a willingness to revise or even overturn existing theories based on new evidence. This openness is not a sign of weakness but a hallmark of the scientific method, which thrives on skepticism, peer review, and empirical validation. However, this selfsame openness can be misconstrued by critics from closed systems as indecisiveness or uncertainty, providing a perceived foothold for attack. In contrast, closed systems often present themselves as comprehensive and definitive, eschewing the nuanced uncertainties of scientific inquiry for the comforting simplicity of absolute truths. This appeal to certainty resonates deeply with a public frequently overwhelmed by the intricacies of modern life, seeking clear, uncomplicated answers to complex questions.

A significant portion of the critique stems from a fundamental misunderstanding or deliberate misrepresentation of the scientific process. The iterative nature of scientific inquiry, where theories are refined or revised based on new evidence, is often portrayed as flip-flopping or lack of conviction. Critics from closed systems may fail to grasp or choose to obscure the distinction between the provisional nature of scientific knowledge and the method's robustness in approaching truth. Beneath the surface of these critiques often lie power dynamics and ideological differences. Closed systems may perceive scientific findings as a threat to their influence, audience, or worldview, prompting a defensive stance that manifests as attacks on the scientific system's legitimacy. Philosophical disagreements over the nature of truth, the role of empiricism, or the balance between consensus and dissent also fuel these conflicts, highlighting the deeply entrenched nature of these disputes.

To address this paradox, education and awareness are crucial. Enhancing public understanding of the scientific method can foster a broader appreciation for its strengths and the inherent value of acknowledging complexity. Scientists and science communicators must effectively convey the provisional nature of scientific knowledge, highlighting its adaptive and refining aspects as strengths rather than weaknesses. Encouraging respectful, open dialogue between proponents of different systems, while challenging, can facilitate mutual understanding and, in some instances, reconciliation of viewpoints. Strengthening science education and promoting clear communication are key strategies to navigate this paradox, ultimately fostering a more informed, critically thinking society.

The critique of scientific systems by unscientific counterparts underscores a profound misunderstanding of the scientific endeavor. Rather than a vulnerability, the acknowledgment of incompleteness is a badge of honor, reflecting the scientific community's unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth, no matter how complex or provisional. Embracing education, clear communication, and engaged dialogue becomes paramount, not only for the integrity of scientific knowledge but for the fostering of a society that values critical thinking and the pursuit of knowledge. By navigating this paradox with awareness and strategies aimed at enhancing public understanding and dialogue, we can work towards a future where the scientific method is valued for its strengths, and the provisional nature of truth is seen as a catalyst for continuous learning and improvement.

Marjorie Shapiro: Supersymmetry, Extra Dimensions and the Origin of Mass - Exploring the Nature of the Universe Using PetaScale Data Analysis (Google Tech Talks, June 2007)

String Theory isn‘t Dead (Sabine Hossenfelder, December 2024)

The Problem With Sabine Hossenfelder (Professor Dave Explains, October 2024)

No, Sabine, Science is Not Failing (Professor Dave Explains, November 2024)

Lawrence Krauss: God, String Theory, and the State of Physics (Robinson Erhardt, March 2024)

Sabine Hossenfelder Can’t Stop Acting Like a Complete Fraud (Professor Dave Explains, February 2025)

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

[tides-of-truth]

Scientific Method of inquiry into Truth & the Mandukya Upananishad Part 1

With change in perception or state of Consciousness— experience is changed. This is the basis of revolutions in scientific paradigms— we are locked into a ‘normal’ worldview, until sufficient understanding has accumulated, to shatter a previous worldview with another, through a leap of sorts.

Consciousness IS that perception-continuum & with altered states of Consciousness or purposefully changed perception, our experience (experiential reality) also changes. We modulate perception, with procedures (pharmacologically, meditatively, shamanically, or magically), & so change our expirential reality, the world of effects & results. We say, I changed my frequency & the world is uplifted. Something is true for us, when it is an experience, an experiential result we are having that we can write down.

In the Ancient times, the means by which, perception was altered, was called magick. Magick is of the realm of mind, idea & imagination.

In the tradition it is Maya or ignorance, ignorance in the sense of the Fool tarot card or archetype— that external appearance is conjured, through the seeds of the beliefs held within, that unfold in the dramas of our lives— we are fooled to (mis)take the world of effects, of change & show, for ultimate reality.

With mind-shifting techniques, & cognitive neuro-reprogramming or magick spells etc. we can alter the world of effects, we can move things around on the stage (without the seed causes being accessed) & change the truth of our experience. (More on Magick & the Mandukya Upanishad to come).

The leap required here is that, in the lesson that we can change our perception (state of Consciousness on the perception continuum of Consciousness, we ordinarily call mind-power), as much as we want, & so change our experience of the world, implies that perception is not & never was the truth. The truth itself, is not of the nature of perception, it is of the nature of realisation.

Only the leap of realisation or transcendence of all states, is truth.

Truth is not a perception.

You can change & rearrange the world of effects as much as you please, & there is nothing wrong with doing that through the power that is the mind, as humans we all do it, but it remains the world that is on the stage, the show, not the foundational truth.

We may enter a meditative or reflective state of Consciousness or a rite (by procedure & practice) & we may experience the result— of the leap of Consciousness into Self-knowing, known as transcendence of states or turiya.

[a-typical]

Some people consider science arrogant - especially when it purports to contradict beliefs of long standing or when it introduces bizarre concepts that seem contradictory to common sense; like an earthquake that rattles our faith in the very ground we're standing on, challenging our accustomed beliefs, shaking the doctrines we have grown to rely upon, can be profoundly disturbing.

Nevertheless, I maintain that science is part and parcel humility. Scientists do not seek to impose their needs and wants on Nature, but instead humbly interrogate Nature and take seriously what they find. We are aware that revered scientists have been wrong. We understand human imperfection. We insist on independent and - to the extent possible - quantitative verification of proposed tenets of belief. We are constantly prodding, challenging, seeking contradictions or small, persistent residual errors, proposing alternative explanations, encouraging heresy. We give our highest rewards to those who convincingly disprove established beliefs.

— The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark - Carl Sagan (1996)