SCIENCE

© MMXX V.1.0.0

by Morley Evans

SCIENCE

Science attempts to explain phenomena. Possible explanations are called hypotheses. Hypotheses are tested to determine if they are accurate explanations of what is observed. When a hypothesis has been tested by numerous independent testers and no one has been able to disprove it, it graduates to the status of a theory.

Theories can be overturned as more is learned. Newtonian physics works. Engineers use it to build skyscrapers. Einstein's Theory of Relativity adds to Newton's theory. Quantum Mechanics adds to Einstein's contribution.

Falsification is the hallmark of science. A hypothesis that is not falsifiable is not a valid statement.

The statement, "all swans are white," is a valid hypothesis because it is falsifiable. It doesn't matter how many white swans exist. That isn't proof. In fact, every swan was white until black swans were discovered in Australia. They disproved the hypothesis. The discovery of black swans does not deny the existence of white swans. 

It is not valid to pretend the black swans don't exist. It is not valid to round up and kill all the black swans. That doesn't make the hypothesis true. It is not valid to attack the person who discovered the black swans and censor his report. Such is argumentum ad hominem.

Arguments from authority are not valid. It doesn't matter if some august persons proclaim that all swans are white.

These principles are universally accepted. Yet they are violated every day. Currently, the entire world has been shut down to "fight the virus". Everyone believes this. Some say everyone is wrong. I do.