11 JUN 2012 by ideonexus
Science Works from Approximation to Approximation
I have no patience with attempts to identify science with measurement, which is but one of its tools, or with any definition of the scientist which would exclude a Darwin, a Pasteur or a Kekulé. The scientist is a practical man and his are practical aims. He does not seek the ultimate but the proximate. He does not speak of the last analysis but rather of the next approximation. His are not those beautiful structures so delicately designed that a single flaw may cause the collapse of the who... 1 
notes
notesGetting better all the time.
24 APR 2012 by ideonexus
Mathematics Feels Real, but is Paradoxical
On foundations we believe in the reality of mathematics, but of course, when philosophers attack us with their paradoxes, we rush to hide behind formalism and say 'mathematics is just a combination of meaningless symbols,'... Finally we are left in peace to go back to our mathematics and do it as we have always done, with the feeling each mathematician has that he is working with something real. The sensation is probably an illusion, but it is very convenient. Folksonomies: mathematics philosophy
Folksonomies: mathematics philosophy
1 notes
notesReal to the mathematician, paradoxical to the philosopher.
28 MAR 2012 by ideonexus
Parenting Means Having Explanations at "A Moment's Notice"
There are many outstanding resources for adults wishing to consider the arguments in support of and in opposition to religious belief itself. And that’s important work: Intellectual and ethical maturity can be measured in part by a person’s willingness to engage in constant reflection on what he or she holds to be true and good. Parents in particular must be able to articulate the foundations of their own values and beliefs at a moment’s notice—and what better describes the appearance... 1 notes
notesSo it's important for parents to have a strong philosophical ground and have spent time reflecting on issues.
07 MAR 2012 by ideonexus
Sciences are Monuments Devoted to the Public Good
Moreover, the sciences are monuments devoted to the public good; each citizen owes to them a tribute proportional to his talents. While the great men, carried to the summit of the edifice, draw and put up the higher floors, the ordinary artists scattered in the lower floors, or hidden in the obscurity of the foundations, must only seek to improve what cleverer hands have created. 
1 Each of us owes a tribute to them according to our talents, either improving what is there, or carrying society to even greater heights.
07 MAR 2012 by ideonexus
Things are Not Supernatural Because We Don't have an Expl...
But shall gravity be therefore called an occult cause, and thrown out of philosophy, because the cause of gravity is occult and not yet discovered? Those who affirm this, should be careful not to fall into an absurdity that may overturn the foundations of all philosophy. For causes usually proceed in a continued chain from those that are more compounded to those that are more simple; when we are arrived at the most simple cause we can go no farther ... These most simple causes will you then c... 1 notes
notesWe cannot explain gravity, but that does not mean it is not a natural law.
28 JAN 2012 by ideonexus
Keep Your Dreams Sane
In geology we cannot dispense with conjectures: [but] because we are condemned to dream let us ensure that our dreams are like those of sane men—e.g. that they have their foundations in truth—and are not like the dreams of the sick, formed by strange combinations of phantasms, contrary to nature and therefore incredible. Folksonomies: empiricism imagination
Folksonomies: empiricism imagination
1 notes
notesIn science, conjectures must be sound and not devolve into flights of fancy.
25 JUL 2011 by ideonexus
Science Must Continually Renew Itself
It is idle to expect any great advancement in science from the superinducing and engrafting of new things upon old. We must begin anew from the very foundations, unless we would revolve forever in a circle with mean and contemptible progress. 1 notes
notesGreat advancement does not come from perpetually building on old ideas, but by rebuilding the old in a new light of understanding.
