> Sam wrote: > Now facts don't matter as long as the conclusion is close? >
Let's talk about this for a minute ... "Directionally correct" means that the estimate is accurate enough for a certain level of decision or when a constraining factor is time. This concept is very useful in business (e.g., do we make iPods?) and science (e.g., gravity). In fact scientific theories are *assumed* right until proven wrong. In other words, given a limited set facts they're assumed right, but they are also assumed to be limited! This type of thinking is a tested skill and key part of critical thinking. Here's on might test it: Q: estimate the circumference of the Earth A: well it's about 2000 miles to either coast from minneapolis. and let's assume each ocean is as wide as the US. and let's assume europe and the orient are about as wide as the US. and that leaves the India-type area and let's assume that's as wide as the US. Add it up: US + 2 x Oceans + asia + europe + india 4 + 8 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 24,000 miles. Close enough? Now you try a harder one: Estimate the number of manhole covers in new york city. Go! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~| Want to reach the ColdFusion community with something they want? Let them know on the House of Fusion mailing lists Archive: http://www.houseoffusion.com/groups/cf-community/message.cfm/messageid:300518 Subscription: http://www.houseoffusion.com/groups/cf-community/subscribe.cfm Unsubscribe: http://www.houseoffusion.com/cf_lists/unsubscribe.cfm?user=89.70.5
