> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
> Behalf Of Nick Arnett
> Sent: Monday, May 08, 2006 1:43 PM
> To: Killer Bs Discussion
> Subject: Re: Myers-Briggs
> 
> On 5/6/06, Doug Pensinger <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> >
> > Nick  wrote:
> >
> > > I see a glaring logical error.  The idea that *only* science can
> > minimize
> > > self-deception and identify non-existent causes cannot be falsified.
> >
> > I don't get it, couldn't you falsify the idea by comming up with some
> > other method that minimizes
> > self-deception and identifies non-existent causes?
> 
> 
> No, because the "other method" wouldn't be scientific, by definition.
> That's what happens when one argues from one's conclusions.

I don't see how it works this way.  Let me propose a defiantly
non-scientific method for predicting the weather 2 months in advance.  It is
"ask Jimmy."  Let's assume, for reasons unknown, that Jimmy has an uncanny
ability to predict the local weather two months in advance.  We find that
his prediction of rainfall, snow, wind direction and speed, and temperature
range for two months in the future matches the accuracy of the Weather
Bureau's forecast for the next day.  We don't know how it works, but we can
prove, through scientific methodology, that "ask Jimmy" is an accurate means
of predicting weather 2 months in advance.

This clearly becomes problematic when we are dealing with questions that are
not subject to empirical verification.  Fundamental questions of what is
right or wrong, for example, cannot be determined scientifically or
logically. But, once we establish axioms, then we can bring are analytical
tools to bear by asking questions that can be empirically verified...such as
"what are the results of this action?"



Dan M.
 




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