[net.origins] science

ethan@utastro.UUCP (Ethan Vishniac) (04/26/84)

>>I would be interested in a scientifically valid argument
>>that the universe, with its complete geological record and
>>your memories, was not created 10 seconds ago.  You need a
>>repeatable test to distinguish between your model of the
>>universe, whatever it may be, and the one proposed above.
>>
>>/s/ Bill McKeeman

Science is not an axiomatic system.  It starts with the assumption
that objective reality exists and can be explored through
observations.  Solipsism is always an alternative, but it's not
science.  You can be a creationist who maintains that God
created the world 6000 years ago and made it look exactly as though
it were 10 billion years old.  Belief in this kind of cosmic
practical joker is clearly outside the realm of science.
Look behind you!!!! No, too late. It's already gone.


                     "Just another Cosmic Cowboy"
                         
                         Ethan Vishniac
                         {ut-sally,ut-ngp,kpno}!utastro!ethan
                         Department of Astronomy
                         University of Texas
                         Austin, Texas 78712