- #1
jobyts
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Answer: About 50 IQ points
What is the difference between astrology and astronomy?
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Discussion Overview
The discussion explores the differences between astrology and astronomy, touching on their historical contexts, societal perceptions, and the nature of each field. It includes perspectives on their scientific validity and the roles they have played throughout history.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that astrology is less intellectually rigorous than astronomy, citing a difference of "about 50 IQ points."
- Others humorously note the linguistic distinction, pointing out that one ends in "logy" and the other in "nomy."
- There are claims that astrology can be monetarily beneficial, while astronomy cannot.
- Some argue that an astrologer requires knowledge of astronomy to practice effectively.
- One participant characterizes astrology as a pseudoscience, contrasting it with astronomy as a legitimate science.
- Another participant reflects on the historical context, noting that astrology was once respected and served practical purposes, such as tracking seasons and predicting floods.
- There is a suggestion that the evolution of astrology from a respected practice to a pseudoscience reflects on human rationality.
- A later reply humorously critiques the negative implication about astronomy, suggesting that it is unfair to label it similarly.
- Historical references are made to the belief in a geocentric universe and the role of astrology in ancient societies.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of views, with no clear consensus on the nature of astrology versus astronomy. While some agree on the pseudoscientific status of astrology, others highlight its historical significance and the need for observational knowledge.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include varying definitions of science and pseudoscience, differing historical interpretations, and the subjective nature of claims regarding intelligence and rationality.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in the historical and philosophical distinctions between science and pseudoscience, as well as those curious about the societal implications of both astrology and astronomy.
- #2
MotoH
- 51
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one ends in logy and the other ends in nomy.
- #3
Proton Soup
- 223
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about $9.95 a minute
- #4
Philosoraptor
- 5
- 0
jobyts said:
Don't forget the 2000 years.
- #5
rootX
- 478
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A +50 IQ can believe in astrology.
- #6
suvorav
- 2
- 0
You can earn money with astrology but not with astronomy
- #7
Jimmy Snyder
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An astrologer needs to know a little astronomy.
- #8
zomgwtf
- 65
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One is a branch of pseudoscience and the other is a branch of science?
- #9
Andre
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One is proof that mankind is not a rational thinking species.
- #10
GeorginaS
- 236
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Andre said:
That's not a nice thing to say about astronomy.
- #11
turbo
Gold Member
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At one time, it was thought that the Earth was the center of the Universe, and it made perfect sense to try to learn more about it by studying the heavens. Astrology was not always a pseudo-science. Using the night sky as a calendar was a valuable way to track the seasons and predict seasonal flooding of the Nile, for instance. That was valuable information. Some religions ascribed special significance to astronomical bodies (generally planets) and associated them with their gods. If you were an astrologer, it was good business to track their movements against the background stars and keep the emperor/king happy.
Today's practitioners of astrology are not scientists, but quacks preying on the gullible. A couple of thousand years ago, astrologers were well-respected observational astronomers.
Today's practitioners of astrology are not scientists, but quacks preying on the gullible. A couple of thousand years ago, astrologers were well-respected observational astronomers.
- #12
arildno
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Dearly Missed
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(nm-lg)astrooy
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