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>Science, despite the name, is really all about doubt. This is a popular misconception on HN, and it's why so many here think they're being scientific by dismi
by SantalBlush 5y ago
>Science, despite the name, is really all about doubt.
This is a popular misconception on HN, and it's why so many here think they're being scientific by dismissing every journal article on the front page. Doubt plays a crucial role in science, but it's not what science is "really all about."
You can doubt every single data point and sensory impression. There is no empirical way to "prove" a single thing if one is determined to doubt it. Not one.
- headsoup 5y agoThat is the default position in science. An encouragement to never be absolutely certain, because you never know what may turn out to be 'wrong.' Doubt is the wrong word, but 'question everything' is I think a perfect statement for science.
- tpoacher 5y agoI doubt it.
- gumby 5y agoFair enough. Perhaps I should have said “uncertainty”, but I judged it scientific jargon with respect to the people I was talking about.