Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site whuxj.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!floyd!harpo!ihnp4!houxm!whuxj!hjb From: hjb@whuxj.UUCP (Harry J. Benson) Newsgroups: net.misc Subject: scientific method revisited Message-ID: <113@whuxj.UUCP> Date: Thu, 9-Feb-84 08:19:19 EST Article-I.D.: whuxj.113 Posted: Thu Feb 9 08:19:19 1984 Date-Received: Fri, 10-Feb-84 04:17:13 EST Organization: Bell Labs, Whippany, N.J. Lines: 11 Before science and the scientific method came into existence, what means were there to prove ITS validity? Now that we have these infallible tools of science and such high priests of "truth" and knowledge as Carl Sagan, we are still burdened by the scientist's prejudices and beliefs. I suggest that the part of the scientific method that calls for suspension of conclusions until all of the evidence is collected and evaluated be exercised at all times - AND then, don't chisel the conclusion in stone, but keep an open mind. Lest some miscontrue my motives: This is a reminder to review some fundamentals, and is not an attack against honest criticism. Dick Gunderman AT&T Bell Labs WH