Ayn Rand Philosophy, Objectivism, Science, Self-interest

[a500lbgorilla]

About peer review, show me how it is only valid when done by certain people, in certain places, and using certain techniques.

Well, the people and places don't matter, but the technique certainly does.

Everyone recommends the Scientific Method. Why not try it yourself?

[wufwugy]

Well, the people and places don't matter, but the technique certainly does.

Everyone recommends the Scientific Method. Why not try it yourself?

What techniques do you mean? Like double blinds and such? Those matter because scientists consider them important for evaluating studies. They don't exist by decree. There is no bureaucracy ruling over the entire scientific community that has a law saying that all studies must be double blind or else they're invalid.

[a500lbgorilla]

What techniques do you mean? Like double blinds and such? Those matter because scientists consider them important for evaluating studies. They don't exist by decree. There is no bureaucracy ruling over the entire scientific community that has a law saying that all studies must be double blind or else they're invalid.

The idea of 'exists by decree' is baloney to me. Nothing of science exists by decree. It exists.

[wufwugy]

The idea of 'exists by decree' is baloney to me. Nothing of science exists by decree. It exists.

That was my point. Regulation, at least its meaning in a political context, is existence by decree.

[a500lbgorilla]

That was my point. Regulation, at least its meaning in a political context, is existence by decree.

OK.

Science also only understands things in very narrow bands, in very focused ways. The world around science stills moves forward.

Think about what the best of science can tell you about tomorrow, May 22nd 2016, and see how many details are left blank.

That no aspect of science exists "by decree" doesn't say anything about the idea of things that exist "by decree"

PS "by decree" vrs "not by decree" is a nonsense line to draw