03 MAR 2014 by ideonexus
The Success of Science
One of the reasons for its success is that science has
built-in, self-correcting machinery at its very heart. It takes
account of human fallibility. One of its commandments is,
"Mistrust arguments from authority." Too many such arguments
have turned out to be painfully wrong. Authorities must prove
their contentions like anybody else. This independence of
science, its unwillingness to pay automatic obeisance to
conventional wisdom, makes it dangerous to doctrines less self-
critical. ... 1 
notes
notesComes from its built-in self-criticism, its proven results, and the reverence and awe it inspires.
25 APR 2012 by ideonexus
Science is More Than Lone Geniuses
The progress of science depends less than is usually believed on the efforts and performance of the individual genius ... many important discoveries have been made by men of ordinary talents, simply because chance had made them, at the proper time and in the proper place and circumstances, recipients of a body of doctrines, facts and techniques that rendered almost inevitable the recognition of an important phenomenon. It is surprising that some historian has not taken malicious pleasure in w... 1 notes
notesIt is mostly individuals in the right place at the right time and happy accidents.
10 AUG 2011 by ideonexus
The Assassin Seeks Preemptive Grace
The President held up his hand. Preemptive penance and absolution were doctrines researched and developed by the Consistorial Court, but not known to the wider Church. They involved doing penance for a sin not yet committed, intense and fervent penance accompanied by scourging and flagellation, so as to build up, as it were, a store of credit. When the penance had reached the appropriate level for a particular sin, the penitent was granted absolution in advance, though he might never be calle... 1 notes
notesBefore committing a sin, a mercenary hired by the church does penance beforehand, so they may know they are still in grace after the crime.
25 JUL 2011 by ideonexus
Science Builds Up, Opinion Does Not
Signs also are to be drawn from the increase and progress of systems and sciences. For what is founded on nature grows and increases, while what is founded on opinion varies but increases not. If therefore those doctrines had not plainly been like a plant torn up from its roots, but had remained attached to the womb of nature and continued to draw nourishment from her, that could never have come to pass which we have seen now for twice a thousand years; namely, that the sciences stand where t... 1 notes
notesIdeas rooted in reality may be built upon like a solid foundation of truth, while opinions do no grow upward, but spread out thin and varied.
24 JAN 2011 by ideonexus
Introduction to the Jefferson Bible
THE PHILOSOPHY OF JESUS OF NAZARETH
Extracted from the account of his life and doctrines as given by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Being an abridgment of the New Testament for the use of the Indians, unembarrassed with matters of fact or faith beyond the level of their comprehensions. [emphasis mine]Folksonomies: founding fathers separation of church and state
Folksonomies: founding fathers separation of church and state
1 
1 The first title of Jefferson's pairing down of the New Testament gospels states clearly the purpose of the text.
