Re: [Phys-l] Is evolution something to believe in?

["cliff parker" <cparker@charter.net>]

Interesting point and I agree you are correct it has not been proven that
they are incompatible, however if past history is any indication it seems
likely that something drastic will probably have to occur to unite them and
that they will no doubt be at the very least tweaked from their present form
if they are ever united.  Nevertheless the heart of my question stands.  Is
a scientific theory, any theory something to believe in? 

Let's go with Cliff, sounds a little friendlier.


Hi all-
 	The following statement in Parker's posting is incorrect.
"...the Theory of Relativity or Quantum Theory?  Because apparently
> something is wrong with at least one of them since they are not 
compatible."
 	No one has ever shown that relativity and quantum theory are
"not compatible."  That would be an excessively dramatic demonstration. 
The problem currently occupying the attention of many theorists is how to 
combine the two.  If someone proved that they are "not compatible", then 
those efforts would, for the most part stop, just as most efforts to 
disprove the 2d law of thermodynamics have ended.
 				Regards,
 					Jack





On Wed, 2 Apr 2008, cliff parker wrote:

> "Well _some_ Republicans don't believe in evolution,"
>
> I seem to be seeing a lot of believing and not believing going on around
> here.  I site above only one example of many on the evolution thread.  Is
> evolution or any other scientific theory something to believe in?  Do you
> believe in the Theory of Relativity or Quantum Theory?  Because apparently
> something is wrong with at least one of them since they are not
compatible.
> The language we use betrays our true attitudes and that language sounds a
> lot like religion and faith to me.  Maybe if we taught our children about
> science rather than what they should "believe in" we would be better off,
> but sadly we do not.  Every science class should begin with the comment
that
> all of what you will learn in here is wrong, useful but wrong.  The ideas
> you will encounter are all models of one kind or another they help us
> organize and visualize our thinking.  Being correct is not the goal.
> Getting models that bring us closer to what we see in nature is.  That
idea
> should be repeated often and the reasoning behind it should be the first
> thing that students think about when they think about science.  We as a
> collective group of "science" teachers have for the most part come
> completely off the track!
>
> Cliff Parker
>
>
>
>
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