Back-of-the-Envelope Calculation

It was from Kuiper that I first got a feeling for what is called a back-of-the-envelope calculation: a possible explanation to a problem occurs to you, you pull out an old envelope, appeal to your knowledge of fundamental physics, scribble a few approximate equations on the envelope, substitute in likely numerical values, and see if your answer comes anywhere near explaining your problem. If not, you look for a different explanation. It cut through nonsense like a knife through butter.

Notes:

A quick nonsense detection technique.

Folksonomies: empiricism rationalism

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/technology and computing/computer security/antivirus and malware (0.408566)
/food and drink/desserts and baking (0.258861)

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The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark

Books, Brochures, and Chapters>Book: Sagan , Carl and Druyan , Ann (1997-02-25), The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark, Ballantine Books, Retrieved on 2011-05-04

Folksonomies: science empiricism rationalism