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Darwinian evolution provides the basis upon which all modern biology is constructed -- It is a positive theory, it enables research and conclusions. Whereas AG
by dantheman 17y ago
Darwinian evolution provides the basis upon which all modern biology is constructed -- It is a positive theory, it enables research and conclusions. Whereas AGW is a conclusion.
- netcan 17y agoI'm not sure what the relevance of that is. Yes, from a scientific perspective Darwinism is more important and interesting because it is very fundamental. Is that the difference you are referring to? What does that have to do with scientific consensus? Are you saying that scientific consensus is a convincing argument for "positive theories." *BTW, I agree with you that consensus, even scientific consensus is not watertight. It is however, something. It's limitations are the limitations of the scientific institution, which are many. Still, overall science produces knowledge about the world and is our best way of doing so. Scientific consensus is not unchallengeable but it is difficult to convincingly challenge and it does put a burden on the challenger.
- dantheman 17y agoI don't know if it puts the burden on the challenger, as Feynman said the duty of the scientist is to bend over backwards to explain all the ways that you might be wrong. The climate scientists do not do this; in fact they claim to understand complex cyclical systems that they've observed a small fraction of. I think they've greatly overplayed their hand and were very sloppy in their thinking. So in this case, I'd say the burden is on them - they are making extraordinary claims that are difficult to verify. Climate science is extremely hard - lack of data, a huge complex non-linear system, lack of understanding of subsystems -- yet they claim to have it figured out.