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From: spaf@gatech.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.misc
Subject: Re: Earth Centered Universe
Message-ID: <313@gatech.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 21-Jul-83 10:36:02 EDT
Article-I.D.: gatech.313
Posted: Thu Jul 21 10:36:02 1983
Date-Received: Sat, 23-Jul-83 17:27:09 EDT
References: <418@sbcs.UUCP>
Organization: Georgia Tech, School of ICS
Lines: 40

"Proof" means presenting a set of arguments which the listener
cannot continue to ignore.  Such "proof" causes the listener
to reevaluate their belief(s) in light of such "proof."

Since there is no absolute frame of reference or absolute system
of definition (as in the incompleteness theorem by Godel,
relativity, etc), there is no way of ever proving something as
absolutely correct.  The best that can be hoped for is to prove
something consistant with everything else in a system.

The problem with groups like the Flat Earth Society, or believers
in astrology, or Bible-thumpers, or readers of the National
Enquirer, or JFK-assasination conspiracy freaks, or ....
is that they have belief systems which are very immune to
rational arguments.  Of course, they're even more immune
to irrational arguments.  It takes a hell of a lot of "proof"
to get someone to change strongly held beliefs.

The principle differences between religion/superstition and
science is that we have chosen to use one particular system
of valued logic in examining internal consistancy.  There are
lots of areas where you can change your framework and come
up with a whole new (and internally consistant) view of reality.

I don't care if the Earth is flat or not.  If I can get to
Europe withsout falling off the edge, and if people can navigate
without anomolies (except near Bermuda), then I really am not
too concerned; the system remains consistant.  I don't care
if astrology works or not.  My life is screwed up no matter what
or whom is to blame -- the stars, the devil, me, Brownian motion,
spirits, or my parents.  There is only one "proof" I will not
quibble with -- make mine single malt scotch.

-- 
"The soapbox of Gene Spafford"

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