[MD] Metaphysics

[MarshaV]

corrected...    


Krimel,

I think I remember that Einstein used Riemannian geometry in the general theory of relativity. 
Is the general theory of relativy science?   


Marsha  


On Jan 16, 2010, at 2:20 PM, Krimel wrote:

> [Mark]
> I think the concept of intelligent design depends on the definition
> of intelligence.  We have been through this before so I won't 
> belabor it, but doesn't the trial and errors and learning that
> occurs in evolution represent a form of intelligence?  Semantically
> at least?
> 
> [Krimel]
> When atmospheric conditions produce a hurricane, is that a form of
> intelligence? After all how does each new storm know which way to spin and
> where to put its eye? Is it "like" intelligence? In some ways, yes, but to
> identify it "as" intelligence ignores the myriad of ways it is nothing at
> all like intelligence. For example, there is no agency, purpose, intention
> or reflection involved; all of which seem to me at least to have some
> barring on intelligence.
> 
> [Mark]
> Thermodynamics is a self-contained system in physics which defines all terms
> with reference to each other.  There is no possible way for it to be wrong.
>  If I set up a system of definitions, it cannot be wrong because I make the
> definitions.  
> 
> [Krimel]
> Here I think you are highlighting the difference between inductive and
> deductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning begins with its definitions and
> proceeds to make sense from there. For the most part this is the kind of
> closed system the Gödel claims must contain elements that cannot be proven
> within the system.
> 
> Deductive reasoning is our gift from the Greeks. Inductive reasoning, which
> is the foundation of scientific thought, doesn't work that way. When we use
> it, we are seeking to build our definitions from our observations. In a
> sense the system we are trying to build is entiring composed of elements
> brought into the system from outside.
> 
> This method demands that when those outside elements fit, we assimilate
> them. When they don't fit we must adjust the way we account for them, we
> accommodate to them.
> 
> [Mark]
> This is similar to the notions that math cannot be wrong.  Of course it
> can't.  If I say The sun is hot, because heat comes from the sun, that can't
> be wrong either.
> 
> [Krimel]
> The notions of math can't be wrong if you accept the assumptions that the
> mathematician specifies at the outset. However, as a mathematician you are
> free to offer other premises, like Lobachevsky and Riemann. But again I
> would see this as a problem for the deductive method that does not
> necessarily apply to the inductive method.
> 
> Saying "the sun is hot" seems to me, at least, to be derived from
> experience. It is what Kant would call synthetic truth. The math examples
> reveal analytic truth.
> 
> 
> 
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