Is Science Truly Objective or Just Another Dogma?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the objectivity of science and the perceived biases within the scientific community. Participants explore themes of authority, orthodoxy, and the challenges faced by unconventional theories in gaining acceptance. The conversation touches on theoretical concepts, historical perspectives, and personal experiences within the scientific field.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that scientists are overly timid and constrained by established authority, leading to a lack of progress in certain fields.
  • Others suggest that the resistance to new theories is a necessary part of the scientific process, as many proposed ideas are often incorrect.
  • A participant challenges the claim that lightspeed has been broken, requesting evidence to support this assertion.
  • There is a discussion about the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR), with conflicting views on its isotropy and its implications for the Big Bang Theory.
  • Some express frustration with the perceived dishonesty in science, comparing scientists to other professions that are often distrusted.
  • A humorous post critiques the stereotype of scientists, presenting an exaggerated and satirical view of their daily lives and motivations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with no clear consensus on the objectivity of science or the nature of scientific inquiry. Disagreements exist regarding the interpretation of the CMBR and the characterization of scientists' behavior.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific scientific concepts and historical events, but there are unresolved claims and assumptions regarding the validity of certain theories and the interpretation of data.

  • #31
The laws of thermodynamics apply to everything, there are no exceptions (well, except on a microscakle, but this merely reflects the statisical nature of the laws).

Why not on a microscale?
 
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  • #32
Imparcticle said:
Why not on a microscale?
On the microscale, quantum uncertainty breaks the symmetry for brief periods of time.
I think we've found Ikonoclast's source anyway...
That's not a source, that's a research facility. Ikonoclast has provided nothing but allegations.
 
  • #33
The problem with a discovery of something sensational like lightspeed excess from mass particles in an accelerator experiment is the mission of the experiment. The experiment is probably not about exceeding lightspeed but about something else. The effort is always a team effort with different goals. Making a fuss about lightspeed excess would distract attention and delay completion and publication. In other words, other people would be affected. I would expect that the raw data would be saved and the surprise event would remain uncommented. At a later time someone could reference it and perhaps make a case, when the experiment is already documented history.

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There was an experiment around 1964 that did a lightspeed measure on backward-directed gamma rays from pion decays in an accelerator. I wish experiments like this would get updated, repeated and re-reported from time to time. The conclusion was that the speed of the gammas was unaffected by the high speed in the opposite direction of the center of mass of the pions.

Oh, Here it is-
Alvaeger F.J.M. Farley, J. Kjellman and I Wallin, Physics Letters 12, 260 (1964).
Measured the speed of gamma rays from the decay of fast pi0 (~0.99975 c) to be c with a resolution of 400 parts per million.
 
  • #34
Ikonoclast has provided nothing but allegations.


"I resent the allegation and I resent the allegator."

— From the Amos 'n' Andy
classic 1950's television series


at least this topic has succeeded in making an issue of accountablilty
as well as unleashing a gassy stinkbomb
 
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