Are Crackpot Theories Welcome in Scientific Discussions?

[k!rl]

I don't understand this thinking, by the way. Why do people think that physicists need to be so ridiculously open to the layman's ideas but no one ever tells cancer researchers to be more open minded to joe-schmoe's ideas on how to cure cancer with toothpaste and basil?

I never said you should be more open minded, I'm asking why you aren't...

You say: you need math.
I say: not for understanding
We are here -> ...

 

[George Jones]

Can you not describe the way the world works by language alone? Do you think people without a background in mathematics are clueless about the world and offer no hope for new insights in science?

Watch the second lecture in Feynman's Messenger Series,

http://research.microsoft.com/apps/...data=3|d71e62e2-0b19-4d82-978b-9c0ea0cbc45f||

Better yet, read the chapter in Feynman's book based on the lectures, The Character of Physical Law,

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0262560038/?tag=pfamazon01-20

I seem to have lost my copy of the book. I have a theory about where it went, but I know better than to post my theory here.

 

[micromass]

You say: you need math.
I say: not for understanding

Then you clearly don't understand the point of science. Good luck in understanding science without math, but we are not going to do such a thing in this forum because it doesn't work that way.

I think this thread is pretty much over now...