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Author Topic: Sagan quote  (Read 630 times)

Offline AKcurly

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Sagan quote
« on: February 24, 2004, 10:19:42 AM »
In science it often happens that scientists say, "You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,"  and then they would actually change their minds  and you never hear that old view from them again.  They really do it.

It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful.  But it happens every day.

I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion.

-- Carl Sagan, astronomer and writer (1934-1996)
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Offline ra

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Sagan quote
« Reply #1 on: February 24, 2004, 10:24:29 AM »
People should agree with me more often.
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Offline lasersailor184

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« Reply #2 on: February 24, 2004, 10:26:12 AM »
Sure, except for the fact that you are wrong.
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Offline ra

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« Reply #3 on: February 24, 2004, 10:27:19 AM »
You're so closed-minded.
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Offline AKIron

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« Reply #4 on: February 24, 2004, 10:46:43 AM »
What are you saying Curly? You see the light and now endorse Bush? ;)
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Offline AKcurly

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« Reply #5 on: February 24, 2004, 10:59:35 AM »
Quote
Originally posted by AKIron
What are you saying Curly? You see the light and now endorse Bush? ;)

Science for the most part is about truth.  Religion and politics are about "hot buttons."  One should never confuse the two ...

I am a scientist.  I also have my hot buttons. :)

curly
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Offline Pongo

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« Reply #6 on: February 24, 2004, 11:24:39 AM »
Science is full of rationals who make decisions based on an inner set of values and rules. Religion and Politics are full of Artisans who take thier values from those around them and want to have those around them adopt their values. The truth is secondary,comfort comes from being in the group and power comes from controling the groups values, even if wrong.
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Offline midnight Target

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Sagan quote
« Reply #7 on: February 24, 2004, 11:25:11 AM »
Yes, but Sagan was a god!
:cool:
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Nakhui

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Sagan quote
« Reply #8 on: February 24, 2004, 11:51:41 AM »
Quote
Originally posted by midnight Target
Yes, but Sagan was a god!
:cool:


Sagan was an alien vistor from a billion billion billion light years away.
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Offline AKIron

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« Reply #9 on: February 24, 2004, 11:59:05 AM »
What motivates a scientist to search for truth?
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Offline AKcurly

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Sagan quote
« Reply #10 on: February 24, 2004, 12:04:35 PM »
Quote
Originally posted by AKIron
What motivates a scientist to search for truth?


Most of the scientists I know don't have a choice - it's a compulsion  ---  inner driven (and directed for that matter.)

curly
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Offline Hortlund

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« Reply #11 on: February 24, 2004, 12:09:42 PM »
The difference between science and religion is that religion deals with objective truths. Not much room for "oops, that was wrong", its way more simple than that...either you believe, or you dont.

After you made that binary choice, you either have all the answers, or you turn to science looking for the answers to those questions that cannot be answered by man.
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Offline AKcurly

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Sagan quote
« Reply #12 on: February 24, 2004, 12:25:31 PM »
Quote
Originally posted by Hortlund
The difference between science and religion is that religion deals with objective truths. Not much room for "oops, that was wrong", its way more simple than that...either you believe, or you dont.

After you made that binary choice, you either have all the answers, or you turn to science looking for the answers to those questions that cannot be answered by man.


Hortland, I have a question.  Are you sure you want "objective truths" and "either you believe, or you dont" in the same sentence?

Religion isn't about truth -- it's about faith.  The facts (or lack thereof) cannot be established about religion.

curly
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Offline lazs2

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« Reply #13 on: February 24, 2004, 12:28:58 PM »
scientists are all frauds but it is extremely rare that one of em admits it...  sagan is himself a perfect example.... or was..

lazs
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Offline Hortlund

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« Reply #14 on: February 24, 2004, 12:30:37 PM »
Quote
Originally posted by AKcurly
Hortland, I have a question.  Are you sure you want "objective truths" and "either you believe, or you dont" in the same sentence?

Religion isn't about truth -- it's about faith.  The facts (or lack thereof) cannot be established about religion.

curly


I guess the point I was trying to make was this: If you believe in God, then with that belief comes a set of truths. To any "believer" these are objective truths, not open for debate, these things just are.

If you go the path of science on the other hand, you will *never* have an objective truth.

Sorry if I was being unclear.
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