Scientific Knowledge

[Wisdom21]

Hey guys, Newbie here so don't get on my too badly. Anyway, I have been thinking about a quote I heard from John Glenn that he made during the Wright Brothers' Anniversary of flight. He noted that there was SO much more to learn about flight because we don't even really understand how a Humming Bird flies yet. The quote struck me because of all the things we think we "know" about, there could always be so much more to it. Some people look to God or another "higher power" for answers, some people try to find the "truth" through logic, deductive reasoning or science. But I guess my question is, how do we really know when we have found the answer to something? I mean, the answers to many question faced by people who inhabited the world were right in front of their faces. Of all the things we can do, we still can't do stuff like make a battery that is worth a damn. We truly can't harness solar energy or other forms of energy that are right here in front of our faces. Well, when I started typing this post, I guess I had a question, but I guess aI really started thinking aout this because when we talk about the beggining of the Universe and how life evolved and such, there really is SO much more out there that we haven't even considered. I wonder if it really is possible to tap into unknown parts of our minds to find answers to complex questions, and if for an instant at least, we could see things we never thought possible. I think we see these thing everyday, but the answers continue to float in our faces and we choose not to see them.

[variant 13]

Welcome to the board,

I'm sure you'll be fine here, I've answered your questions as best I can, hope it helps.

Well to answer your first (?) question, we know wie've found the answer to something when that answer can explain everything in the question and has evidence that can be confirmed independently.

But even then the answer may be a lie of sorts, such as the atom is the smallest unit of matter, which turned out to be wrong. Now in science this sort of lie is ok, because it is understood by those involved that theories change and that we can only describe as much as we can find.

BUt with religions there is no acceptence of change, they fight and ignore what is real to keep their dogma intact. Creationists are a prime example. Most arguements are circular, and based on ignorance and no real evidence.

I wonder if it really is possible to tap into unknown parts of our minds to find answers to complex questions, and if for an instant at least, we could see things we never thought possible.

It would be nice, but highly unlikely - looking inside our selfs will get us reflections of what we know, believe and want all mixed up together. While there is much (a hell of a lot) about the brain we don't know there is no reason to think that there is any hidden knowledge in there.

But I guess my question is, how do we really know when we have found the answer to something? I mean, the answers to many question faced by people who inhabited the world were right in front of their faces. Of all the things we can do, we still can't do stuff like make a battery that is worth a damn. We truly can't harness solar energy or other forms of energy that are right here in front of our faces.

Well what has to be remembered is that for most of the past the scientific method was not used when looking at the world around them. It was full of spirits and magic. As for now, give us a break we do our best :) all good things, in time we may be able to make better things but it will take time.

Anyway hopes this helps if you have other questions ask then.