RE: Cobb County

Burgy wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
That kind of reasoning seems contrived. Using it, I could argue that a
certain curve in the mountain road up to Rico ought NOT have a warning
sign because some others do not.

Having a similar warning about -- say -- plate tectonics, or even
relativity -- might or might not make sense. Actually, the warning ought
to properly be applied to much of science. Questioning "what everyone
else takes for fact" is usually unproductive. But sometimes it leads to
radical new inventions or discoveries.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I somewhat agree with you. Perhaps the entire idea is not to single out any
one particular theory, as was stated by George, but maybe an emphasis should
be placed on what a theory is. A pronounced and declarative
statement/definition should proceed any scientific study/textbook. A simple
"Theories contained in this textbook are still under scientific study and
have not been definitively proven. As such, they should be considered
carefully and critically." Or something of this sort. I believe that while
singling out one theory may not be good practice, allowing the general
public, who does not possess a scientific background or understanding,
should not be lead into the false assumption that theories are facts.
Understandably, some theories have a greater degree of validity, much having
been proven empirically. Others, are more speculative and have only a
mathematical backing. The only other answer to this situation would be to
create classifications of theories for common use. Which in time would
create just as much confusion, however. In the end, I do not see how
declaring a theory as fact helps either. Most people see the sun and know
it is fact. These same people have almost know interest in how it is made
or works. There are those who search for answers out of curiosity even if
there are no questions. And there are those that only look for answers when
there are questions. Point is, if the ACLU wants to place evolution as
fact, then have at it. As long as it is a "theory", then people will be
drawn to it, just to solve the question.

Don P
Received on Sat Jan 15 17:47:33 2005