[MD] Alternatives to the scientific method

[Ron Kulp]

[Ham]
See, this is why I'm reluctant to engage in discussions that are off the
philosophy track.  Ron makes some absurd allegation about the scientific
method never having been tested, and suddenly I'm expected to come up
with an alternative to two centuries of scientific progress.

[Ron]
I never said this, I said science is now exploring MOQ type methods and
philosophy  in an effort to
better explain natural phenomena at the quantum level.

[Ham]
All this hysteria stems from the notion that Science, not Philosophy,
holds the key to the truth about reality.

[Ron]
all this "hysteria" stems from the notion that Essentialism is superior
to MOQ. as of yet you
have failed to demonstrate this in any capacity. The MOQ assertion being
that philosophy guides science.

[Ham]
The notion is founded on the fallacy that Faith has been superseded by
empirical knowledge, and that scientists are somehow to blame for
holding back on us.  Now just because we (even some scientists) have
awakened to the fact that subjectivity plays a role in creating our
reality, the philosopher is supposed to turn the scientist's methodology
upside down because it hasn't provided the solution to problems
Philosophy can't solve?  How ridiculous!

[Ron]
yes, how ridiculous.

[Ham]
No, I'm not going to redesign the most rational and reliable system ever
devised for investigating the physical world.  I don't believe the
answers we're seeking are to be found by observing and testing matter --
whether it's macro, micro, or sub-quantum data.  As I've said before,
the riddle of the universe and its creation is beyond man's finite
reach.  I've also stated my belief that there's a logical reason for
this, and I'll say it
again:  If man had access to absolute knowledge, he would lose his
autonomy as a free agent.  Individual freedom is a higher prize than
anything Science will ever discover or prove.

[Ron]
Then exactly what are you going on about?

[Ham]
The aim of Science is utilitarian.  Its purpose is to discover and
validate empirical knowledge that can lead to a healthier, more
efficient, more productive world.  The "test" of its success can be
measured by the results of the last two centuries.  Do we not all live
better, longer, and more efficiently as a direct result of Science's
contributions?  Whatever became of the old adage 'If it ain't broke,
don't fix it.'?

More knowledge about "complex systems", probability statistics, quarks
and neutrinos, and the evolution of the universe is not what we need to
learn the meaning of life and our relation to the primary source.  We
need the wisdom of intuitive reflection that can only come from the
study of Philosophy.

[Ron]
and this can only come from self exploration not any mass dispensed
method, including  Essentialism and MOQ.

[Ham]
But as SA is sure to remind me, "That's YOUR view."

[Ron]
well SA does have a point, you lump everyone together not really trying
to understand what it is
 each of us are saying. The more you go on the more you begin to sound
like someone trying
to convince us that there is a god, one named ESSENCE, and we're  fools
for not believing this.
you seem unable or unwilling to defend or explain any of the statements
or questions I posed to you
leaving it simply as "you just don't get it" which , if anyone here has
devoted time to understanding
Essentialism it's me. I would think making argument and giving you fair
opportunity to state
your claims would be a boon, but you have yet to make a case supporting
any of these views.
I just wish you saw this as an opportunity to test your theories rather
than seeing us as 
coming down on you or attacking you in some way. If it floats it floats
if it doesent then perhaps
back to the drawing board is a consideration.  Ham, this is about the
most open minded audience your 
going to get with honost feedback. One can learn something from the
exchange or take it personally 
and shut us out. I'm hoping for the former.

Thanks ,
Sincerely-
Ron

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