30 DEC 2013 by ideonexus
Men of Science Must Combat Errors
After those few observations upon the properties of matter either organized or inert, (to which I know every Chemist in the country, whose science has conquered the bigotry of his education, will give his assent) I would call upon them all and every one to stand forward and teach mankind those important, those plain truths, which are so clear and so familiar to their own minds. It is the Man of Science who is alone capable of making war upon the Priest, so as to silence him effectually. It is... 1 
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notesOr else what reason is their to all their studies?
21 JUN 2012 by ideonexus
Science Overthrowing Religion
The claims of certain so-called scientific men as to 'science overthrowing religion' are as baseless as the fears of certain sincerely religious men on the same subject. The establishment of the doctrine of evolution in out time offers no more justification for upsetting religious beliefs than the discovery of the facts concerning the solar system a few centuries ago. Any faith sufficiently robust to stand the—surely very slight—strain of admitting that the world is not flat and does not ... 1 notes
notesTeddy Roosevelt makes important points about accepting the theory of evolution and how that does not impact religious faith.
12 JUN 2012 by ideonexus
Resistance to New Ideas
…it ought to be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things. Because the innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new. 1 notes
notesComes from the establishment already doing well under the current system.
24 APR 2012 by ideonexus
Scientific Progress has More Effect on Humanity Than Anyt...
How much has happened in these fifty years—a period more remarkable than any, I will venture to say, in the annals of mankind. I am not thinking of the rise and fall of Empires, the change of dynasties, the establishment of Governments. I am thinking of those revolutions of science which have had much more effect than any political causes, which have changed the position and prospects of mankind more than all the conquests and all the codes and all the legislators that ever lived. 1 notes
notesMore than politics, conquests, or legislation.
02 FEB 2012 by ideonexus
The Positive Mind
In the final, the positive, state, the mind has given over the vain search after absolute notions, the origin and destination of the universe, and the causes of phenomena, and applies itself to the study of their laws—that is, their invariable relations of succession and resemblance. Reasoning and observation, duly combined, are the means of this knowledge. What is now understood when we speak of an explanation of facts is simply the establishment of a connection between single phenomena an... 1 notes
notesDoesn't concern itself with absolute truth, but is focused on laws and how facts tie into them.
30 JAN 2012 by ideonexus
The Method of Multiple Working Hypotheses
It will be observed that the distinction [between hypothesis and theory] is not such as to prevent a working hypothesis from gliding with the utmost ease into a ruling theory. Affection may as easily cling about a beloved intellectual child when named as a hypothesis as if named a theory, and its establishment in the one guise may become a ruling passion very much as in the other. The historical antecedents and the moral atmosphere associated with the working hypothesis lend some good influen...Folksonomies: hypothesis confirmation bias
Folksonomies: hypothesis confirmation bias
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notesBy maintaining many hypotheses, the scientist does not fall in love with one over the others and fall into the trap of confirmation bias.
03 SEP 2011 by ideonexus
Pavlov's Conditioning and Humans
The dog [in Pavlov's experiments] does not continue to salivate whenever it hears a bell unless sometimes at least an edible offering accompanies the bell. But there are innumerable instances in human life where a single association, never reinforced, results in the establishment of a life-long dynamic system. An experience associated only once with a bereavement, an accident, or a battle, may become the center of a permanent phobia or complex, not in the least dependent on a recurrence of th...Folksonomies: psychology conditioning
Folksonomies: psychology conditioning
1 notes
notesHumans can be conditioned by a single experience, while the dog must have regular conditioning to continue salivating at the sound of a bell.
03 JAN 2011 by ideonexus
The Importance of Antitrust
...governments and communities have to establish and enforce strong antitrust laws--which is basically fighting any group that gets too large and usurps power. Antitrust fosters decentralization of power, whether from government or business hands. Right now, antitrust authorities are already cooperating across borders in a number of cases, including worldwide companies such as Microsoft and Beoing. But it's hard for any establishment--including governments-to enforce antitrust with enthusiasm... 1 notes
notesThe importance and difficulty of preventing any organization from becoming so large as to dominate the system.
