| Chronology | Current Month | Current Thread | Current Date |
| [Year List] [Month List (current year)] | [Date Index] [Thread Index] | [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] | [Date Prev] [Date Next] |
Not taking exception to the poetic construction. He writes very well!
But does he not overstep the limits of scientific knowledge? Even
someone of his inestimable intelligence can suffer from a case of
hubris, no? And I don't see how someone being religious or non-
religious has anything to do with it. One can appreciate religious
viewpoints, and the difference between them and scientific knowledge,
without being a believer.
Bill
On Dec 22, 2010, at 2:21 PM, John Mallinckrodt wrote:
Okay, I mistakenly assumed you were referring to Hawking's most
recent book, which has caused quite a stir in some quarters.
Nevertheless count me as more than a little surprised that anyone,
and *especially* a non-religious person, could seriously take
exception to Hawking's obviously poetic construction here.
John Mallinckrodt
Cal Poly Pomona
On Dec 22, 2010, at 12:50 PM, William Robertson wrote:
Here's the quote from A Brief History of Time. This quote comes after
a discussion that we are coming ever closer to a complete unification
theory. It is erroneous to think that scientists will ever be able to
answer the ultimate "why" question (that is the province of
religion),
but that is what he implies.
"However, if we discover a complete theory, it should in time be
understandable by everyone, not just by a few scientists. Then we
shall all, philosophers, scientists and just ordinary people, be able
to take part in the discussion of the question of why it is that we
and the universe exist. If we find the answer to that, it would be
the
ultimate triumph of human reason -- for then we should know the mind
of God."
Bill
On Dec 22, 2010, at 1:38 PM, John Mallinckrodt wrote:
William Robertson wrote:
I've already provided one glaring example, which is Hawking stating
(in so many words) the we (scientists) are on the verge of knowing
what God intended.
I haven't read the book, but I'm quite sure that Hawking didn't say
anything even remotely like that. As I understand it, Hawking
offered his opinion that there is no need for God to explain the
creation or subsequent evolution of the universe. I suspect that
most scientists would agree with that--I certainly do--but I have
some limited sympathy for the proposition that it might have been
needlessly provocative.
_______________________
Forum for Physics Educators
Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l
_______________________________________________
Forum for Physics Educators
Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l
_______________________________________________
Forum for Physics Educators
Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l
_______________________________________________
Forum for Physics Educators
Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l
__________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 5726 (20101222) __________
The message was checked by ESET Smart Security.
http://www.eset.com