Rep. Rush Holt agrees that Science is the best way to understand the world we live in.

[cleanhippie]

Rep. Rush Holt
U.S. Congressman from New Jersey's 12th district

Today is the anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin. Like Galileo, Newton and Einstein in the physical sciences, Darwin in the life sciences provided a new framework for thinking that led to great new understanding and eventually greatly improved the quality of life for millions of people. I have proposed that this date be recognized officially as Darwin Day as a reminder of the need to promote scientific thinking throughout our society.

Although I am a research scientist and teacher by background, the world in which I live day to day -- the world of politics and legislation -- is a fairly constrained, unscientific world. The inhabitants of that world do not often break new ground. There are not many new ideas. The work of politicians is to find a balance of existing competing interests that will hold at least for a short time. Science is not like that; it is progressive. Scientists operate on the assumption that through better and better theories drawn from evidence one can have clearer and clearer understanding of how the world works.

Science is not primarily a compilation and refinement of what is known. Science is mostly a very clever technique for venturing into what is not known. Its currency is new ideas. The new ideas are not simply daydreams or unfounded conjectures. They are extrapolations from observation and evidence. The scientists we extol, like Darwin, could see more pathways into the unknown from the commonplace.

--snip--

We learn through the study of science that the world is not capricious, that there is a majestic order and beauty that emerges from understanding. Science leads, not only to practical new ideas, but also to better thinking and to a more optimistic view of the possibilities of humans. For some it also leads to a greater appreciation of the divine. In the words of the psalmist, "the heavens are telling the glory of God; the firmament displays his wondrous handiwork." The wonder and the glory, say many religiously faithful scientists, are enhanced the more we pursue an understanding.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rep-rush-holt/darwin-day-promoting-scientific-thinking_b_2670084.html

Do you agree?

[rug]

1. I wonder how he applies that to being a Quaker.

On edit: I was responding to the headline which is not the one with the article. There are good points in the article, which itself does not support the headline.

[cleanhippie]

2. "We could all benefit from reflecting during this Day on the need to promote scientific thinking"

Yes, it does.

[rug]

3. The best science comes from reality.

You shouldn't fudge the headline.

[cleanhippie]

4. If that's all you have to quibble with...

Thanks for your input.

[rug]

5. Misstating in a headline what the article actually says, is hardly a quibble.

Unless you think dishonesty is a quibble.

[cleanhippie]

7. The lawyer rants about dishonesty.

[rug]

9. Wait until you need one

But careful, a lawyer cannot put on a client who will lie.

[cleanhippie]

10. Have a nice day.

[longship]

6. Wow! What a great read!

Nicely written. Lays out the reasons nicely.

R&K

[cleanhippie]

8. Yes, it is! He also submitted a bill to day to recognize Darwin Day.

Science IS the best way to understand our world, despite what serious theologians or lawyers may say.

[rug]

11. Prove it.

Even though that's not what he wrote.

[cleanhippie]

12. Prove that he submitted a Darwin Day bill?

H.RES.41.IH- -- Expressing support for designation of February 12, 2013, as Darwin Day and recognizing the importance of science in the betterment of humanity. (Introduced in House - IH)

113th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. RES. 41

Expressing support for designation of February 12, 2013, as Darwin Day and recognizing the importance of science in the betterment of humanity.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 22, 2013

Mr. HOLT submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology

RESOLUTION

Expressing support for designation of February 12, 2013, as Darwin Day and recognizing the importance of science in the betterment of humanity.

Whereas Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by the mechanism of natural selection, together with the monumental amount of scientific evidence he compiled to support it, provides humanity with a logical and intellectually compelling explanation for the diversity of life on Earth;

Whereas the validity of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection is further strongly supported by the modern understanding of the science of genetics;

Whereas it has been the human curiosity and ingenuity exemplified by Darwin that has promoted new scientific discoveries that have helped humanity solve many problems and improve living conditions;

Whereas the advancement of science must be protected from those unconcerned with the adverse impacts of global warming and climate change;

Whereas the teaching of creationism in some public schools compromises the scientific and academic integrity of the United States education systems;

Whereas Charles Darwin is a worthy symbol of scientific advancement on which to focus and around which to build a global celebration of science and humanity intended to promote a common bond among all of Earth's peoples; and

Whereas February 12, 2013, is the anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin in 1809 and would be an appropriate date to designate as Darwin Day: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

(1) supports the designation of Darwin Day; and

(2) recognizes Charles Darwin as a worthy symbol on which to celebrate the achievements of reason, science, and the advancement of human knowledge.

[rug]

13. Prove this:

Science IS the best way to understand our world, despite what serious theologians or lawyers may say.

[cleanhippie]

14. How would you like me to go about it?

What would be acceptable to you?

[rug]

15. Scientifically.

[cleanhippie]

16. OK. Start here.

Once you have reviewed this scientific information that has been the best way to understand our world, let me know what part of the scientific method you object to.

http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/subjectguides/subjectguides.html

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17. Nice dodge. Let me help you out.

Your statement (omitting the nonsense) "Science IS the best way to understand our world" posits it is the best of at least three ways to understand the world.

Start taxonomically and identify the other ways.

Next describe and compare the three ways.

Finally point to the data that supports your conclusion.

Or, you can simply concede your statement is simply the fervid opinion of someone distorting headlines to support an agenda.

[cleanhippie]

18. Bwahahaha!

I love how I so easily get under your skin.



You can go now, I'm done playing with you.

[rug]

19. Pick up your toys before you go.

[cleanhippie]

20. You're the one with the ballons.

Go ahead, have the last word. I've been giving you too much grief over that must-have-last-word compulsion. Here's a free pass.

[rug]

21. I don't blame you for leaving your unsubstatiated, punctured claims behind.

It's the wise course when you have nothing.

Too bad you had a need to do that. It's actually an interesting article, minus the headline and outlandish claims.