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Re: what is understanding



Hi Ludwik-
You write, in response to:

I suggest, for example, that none of us knows how to discuss a situation
that lies entirely outside of our experience.

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I do not agree that "none of us knows how to discuss a situation that
lies entirely outside of our experience". I have no experience with time
delation and length contraction but I can discuss these topics with those
who know much more about them than I (when they are willing to tolerate my
limitations).
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Au contraire; you have considerable experience with the <concepts>
of time dilation and length contraction, and that experience is what you
pass on to your students.
Perhaps what Gregg really and truly means is that the student
can solve a problem that it hasn't seen before. If so, then "lies
entirely outside of our experience" would be an inapt generalization.

One of my favorite physics teachers used to say: "No two people
can communicate." To the extent that statement borders on truth,
careless use of language becomes part of the problem.

You add:
*************************************************************
It is much easier to deal with more concrete concepts. The optical image
definition, for example, (as opposed to a picture) is much easier than the
"human therapeutic energy field". Jack, can you quote the formulation of
what must be accomplished to win the 1.1 million prize? "Human energy" can
be measured in many ways, for example, with a radiometer.

When is the deadline? What is the address of the agency? No, I am not
planning to apply. But somebody might. Please share your experience.
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Sorry, did I miss something? What prize? What agency? Your
words seem to apply to matters which lie entirely outside of my experience,
so I can't begin to discuss them.
Regards,
Jack