Re: Democracy held hostage

From: J. R. Molloy (jr@shasta.com)
Date: Thu Oct 04 2001 - 12:18:36 MDT


From: "Brian D Williams" <talon57@well.com>
> Objectivity is only something that can be attempted or strived for
> rather than actually achieved, since we are all subjects with
> inherent biases and prejudice.

Probably not, because you can't be sure about that, since your own viewpoint
contradicts itself by invoking subjectivity. Consequently, the uncertainty
principle is itself uncertain.
In those areas of reality in which the uncertainty principle is
invalid (due to its uncertainty), objectivity therefore prevails. The observer
(not the subject) decides (rather than chooses) to measure what is appropriate
to begin with. Here it is not the subjectivity of science that is at issue,
but rather the focus of the applied science. Accordingly, science need only
constrain itself to those aspects of reality which do, in fact, yield to
objective analysis via the device of experiment so that useful products ensue.
The rest is dross.

> This is getting quite Zen like.

That'll be the day!

©¿©¬

--- --- --- --- ---

Useless hypotheses, etc.:
 consciousness, phlogiston, philosophy, vitalism, mind, free will, qualia,
analog computing, cultural relativism, GAC, Cyc, Eliza, cryonics, individual
uniqueness, ego, human values, scientific relinquishment

We move into a better future in proportion as science displaces superstition.



This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Sat May 11 2002 - 17:44:12 MDT