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I would like to see the actual quote from Patricia Rankin because [challenging] people's assumptions is not at all what science is about. I mean, sure sometimes
by Avshalom 3y ago
I would like to see the actual quote from Patricia Rankin because [challenging] people's assumptions is not at all what science is about. I mean, sure sometimes it turns out that people's assumptions don't actually line up with the natural world but science certainly doesn't have any particular focus on those cases.
- pbhjpbhj 3y agoIf you believe something because it is assumed, that is not science. When you challenge that assumption, it may ultimately be that your guess was right, but your _assumption_ has nonetheless been challenged. Some things seem prima facie to be true, but turn out not to be consistent with the rest of our scientific understanding. If we're to be thorough then we should not just assume knowledge, we should put it to the test. This is scientific IMO. Did you assume that challenging an assumption meant opposing it?
- davorak 3y ago> Did you assume that challenging an assumption meant opposing it? I think the phrase 'challenging an assumption' leaves a bad taste in some people's mouth due to negative associations. I have definitely seen people use 'challenging assumptions' as a shield for their argument or actions when it was not justified. Or worse be upset when the phrase does not get people to back their idea or actions. Questioning, reexamining, challenging what have you is important in scientific progress. 'challenging assumptions', 'challenging the establishment', and probably other similar phrases I am not familiar with have been used conspiracy theorists and pseudoscientists and the association has tainted the phrase leaving a bad taste in some people's month.
- pbhjpbhj 3y agoThanks, that's a useful expansion on the baggage that some read into the phrase, I was taking it on face-value only. Obliged.