The biggest obstacle of science is knowing before we know

Thread starter WW_III_ANGRY
Start date Apr 8, 2008
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Science

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The discussion centers on the limitations of scientific understanding, particularly regarding the universe's nature and the reliance on mathematical models to explain it. Participants express concerns about the tendency to assert knowledge prematurely, citing examples like the Big Bang theory and dark energy, which are often presented as established facts despite ongoing debates and uncertainties in the scientific community. The argument highlights the challenge of defining concepts like an expanding universe and questions the adequacy of mathematics in capturing the infinite possibilities of the cosmos. Critics point out that the language used in popular science can mislead the public into thinking theories are facts, emphasizing the need for clarity and precision in scientific communication. The conversation also touches on the philosophical implications of scientific inquiry, suggesting that the pursuit of knowledge is an evolving process, where absolute certainty may never be achievable. Overall, the thread reflects a deep skepticism about the current state of scientific knowledge and the frameworks used to convey it.

Apr 10, 2008

russ_watters

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WW_III_ANGRY said:

Either way how can the universe expanding be a fact?

Further up on the page, I stated that all data has an error margin associated with it. I said such things are "factual in nature" and the associated margin for error is part of the "fact". So when it comes to the expansion of the universe, the statement would look something like this:

"The data that scientists have points to a 99.9% certainty that the universe is expanding."

That entire statement is one fact. When people talk about these things at parties or on the evening news, they drop the error margins from the statement because it makes the statement less cumbersome and laypeople don't understand it anyway. Do not confuse that to mean scientists have an absolute certainty about the issue.