Why is there no 'history of physics' forum?

  • #31
pines-demon said:
I think that for history of science, this is far less controversial than a philosophy forum.
Maybe. But on the other hand, it opens a door for some long discarded theories to be discussed.
 
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  • #32
Rive said:
Maybe. But on the other hand, it opens a door for some long discarded theories to be discussed.
That's what mentors are for. I mean this kind of theories can appear too right now.
 
  • #33
Rive said:
You should be aware that the history of science is actually not the kind of science what is mentioned in the mission statement.
Context from history adds a vital perspective and makes science come alive.

Students study the history of models and theory, right?

Einstein had updated an equation in his original paper after publishing it, nearer to the eclipse, and good thing for his adjustment had brought observation of the sun's gravitational deflection of the star in line with his theory.

Also noteworthy is the people who had been hovering so near to the discovery of special relativity (practically stumbling onto it right under their noses), etc.

It's valuable for people to see how science works, the corrections and adjustments, the meandering paths, the collaborations.

Rive said:
Maybe. But on the other hand, it opens a door for some long discarded theories to be discussed.
It's history, not alternate history. Not what ifs.

Placement matters too. Placing it in the lounge might imply that anything goes, so such a sub forum is probably better off in other sciences.
 
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