Quote:
Originally Posted by CraigS
One of the basic principles in science is that reality is only ever as good as one's current model allows one to see.
The idea that a 'reality' exists beyond this visibility provided by scientific models, in itself, can easily be distinguished as 'non-reality'. This is also a fundamental philosophical difference between seeking 'truth', and observing the physical world. It is also a dividing line between religion/faith fantasy, (whatever one calls it), and science.
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Craig,
I differ in my point of view on this. I think there is an ingrained reality to the universe waiting to be discovered. Sure, one of our current models may be our best world view of this fundamental reality but which model are we talking about? This was the point of the dialogue between Amir and Brian. Some of our models seem very removed from our perception of what this reality is. Now, it could be the case that one of these creative models does actually depict the real world but it might also be pure science fiction.
In the end, observational, data will sift out fiction from fact, as it did, for example, with the Steady State Theory. But you can't put every current theory in the same batch as the best view of the world. And, if you can't match a particular model or theory to the observational data and forces that describe our universe then it can't reflect this reality.
Regards, Rob