Posted by alexandra_k on November 20, 2005, at 18:02:09
In reply to Re: theory extension vs theory replacement » Larry Hoover, posted by alexandra_k on November 20, 2005, at 17:47:05
> i prefer my way of saying it because... i don't think it alienates either those who are believers or those who are not.
well, i should say that it doesn't have to...
but actually... after some further thought...yeah i think in a way you do have to choose.
because when dalton came up with modern atomic theory nobody went 'oh, how nice, we now have two theories: alchemy and the modern atomic theory of matter'. no indeed they did not. the new theory replaced the old theory.
of course... you could have continued adding 'epicycles' to alchemy...
you could have said 'see, alchemy is right after all all we need is a proton gun to knock out a proton or two (or however many) and lead can become gold after all!!!!!'but of course this leaves aside the point that the theory sets the agenda:
the theory sets the agenda for
1) WHAT questions are considered worthy
2) THE METHODS for determining the acceptable answers to those questions etc etc.if alchemy had prevailed over modern atomic theory then would we have ever invented the proton gun?
what does AA / NA do to encourage people to ask about the environmental factors and toxic environments that contribute to peoples choosing a short term high over long term harm?
That is not even on the agenda...
And that is the harm...
In too many epicycles.I mean... if it works for you then thats cool.
whatever works for the individual.
if belief in magic and astrology and alchemy and god and ghosts and demons and so on and so forth help you live a meaningful life then good luck to you i suppose...But I'm tired of the epicycles.
I'm interested in the real nature of addiction.
And when it comes to investigating the 'real nature' of material things...
Science is the authority.
That is the appropriate subject matter of the sciences.
I'm tired of the epicycles...But to each their own...
poster:alexandra_k
thread:575263
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20051106/msgs/580674.html