Q - Under that same definition ASTROLOGY IS A SCIENTIFIC THEORY, under your definition, correct?
A - Under my definition, a scientific theory is a PROPOSED explanation which focuses or points to physical, observable data and logical inferences. There are many things throughout the history of science which we now THINK TO BE INCORRECT which nonetheless would fit that definition. Yes, ASTROLOGY IS IN FACT ONE, and SO IS THE ETHER THEORY of the propagation of light, AND MANY OTHER THEORIES as well.
Here, Behe clearly states that it was a ‘dated’ theory, we now know to be ‘incorrect’.
Q - The ether theory of light has been DISCARDED, correct?
A - THAT IS CORRECT.
Q - But you are clear, under your definition, the definition that sweeps in intelligent design, [that] ASTROLOGY IS ALSO A SCIENTIRIC THEORY, CORRECT?
A - Yes, that's correct. And LET ME EXPLAIN, under my definition of the word "theory," it is -- a sense of the word "theory" DOES NOT INCLUDE THE THEORY BEING TRUE, it means a proposition based on physical evidence to explain some facts by logical inferences. There have been many theories throughout the history of science WHICH LOOKED GOOD AT THE TIME WHICH FURTHER PROGRESS HAS SHOWN TO BE INCORRECT. Nonetheless, WE CAN’T GO BACK AND SAY THAT BECAUSE THEY WERE INCORRECT, THEY WERE NOT THEORIES. So many many things that we now realized to be incorrect, INCORRECT theories, are NONETHELESS theories.
The preceding paragraph that should clear up any misunderstanding of Behe’s take on astrology.
• The term ‘theory’ is a proposition based on physical evidence [which of course is the data available at that time, and subject to interpretation, which may later be revised]
• Classifying something a ‘theory’ does not make it true.
• Many theories “looked good at the time”, but were later shown to be incorrect.
• We can’t go back and say that ‘because’ they are now known to be incorrect, that they were not theories [Agreed. Not all theories are ‘correct’, but nonetheless fit the definition of theory.]
So please enlighten me about my “false claims about astrology"!?
• I made no false claims
• Behe defined it as a scientific theory (compared to other dated theories), but CLEARLY STATED that it was a dated (archaic), and false (discarded) theory.
So what was your point? If it was that Behe considers astrology as currently ‘valid’ science, then you have joined the ranks of QML’s, (quote-mining liars), who’s aim is to discredit a working scientist unjustly. And yes, quote mining is a blatant form of lying.
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leebowman writes:
Q - Under that same definition ASTROLOGY IS A SCIENTIFIC THEORY, under your definition, correct?
A - Under my definition, a scientific theory is a PROPOSED explanation which focuses or points to physical, observable data and logical inferences. There are many things throughout the history of science which we now THINK TO BE INCORRECT which nonetheless would fit that definition. Yes, ASTROLOGY IS IN FACT ONE, and SO IS THE ETHER THEORY of the propagation of light, AND MANY OTHER THEORIES as well.
Here, Behe clearly states that it was a ‘dated’ theory, we now know to be ‘incorrect’.
Q - The ether theory of light has been DISCARDED, correct?
A - THAT IS CORRECT.
Q - But you are clear, under your definition, the definition that sweeps in intelligent design, [that] ASTROLOGY IS ALSO A SCIENTIRIC THEORY, CORRECT?
A - Yes, that's correct. And LET ME EXPLAIN, under my definition of the word "theory," it is -- a sense of the word "theory" DOES NOT INCLUDE THE THEORY BEING TRUE, it means a proposition based on physical evidence to explain some facts by logical inferences. There have been many theories throughout the history of science WHICH LOOKED GOOD AT THE TIME WHICH FURTHER PROGRESS HAS SHOWN TO BE INCORRECT. Nonetheless, WE CAN’T GO BACK AND SAY THAT BECAUSE THEY WERE INCORRECT, THEY WERE NOT THEORIES. So many many things that we now realized to be incorrect, INCORRECT theories, are NONETHELESS theories.
The preceding paragraph that should clear up any misunderstanding of Behe’s take on astrology.
• The term ‘theory’ is a proposition based on physical evidence [which of course is the data available at that time, and subject to interpretation, which may later be revised]
• Classifying something a ‘theory’ does not make it true.
• Many theories “looked good at the time”, but were later shown to be incorrect.
• We can’t go back and say that ‘because’ they are now known to be incorrect, that they were not theories [Agreed. Not all theories are ‘correct’, but nonetheless fit the definition of theory.]
So please enlighten me about my “false claims about astrology"!?
• I made no false claims
• Behe defined it as a scientific theory (compared to other dated theories), but CLEARLY STATED that it was a dated (archaic), and false (discarded) theory.
So what was your point? If it was that Behe considers astrology as currently ‘valid’ science, then you have joined the ranks of QML’s, (quote-mining liars), who’s aim is to discredit a working scientist unjustly. And yes, quote mining is a blatant form of lying.
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.