The Relativity of Wrong (1988)
15 days ago
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- The author receives a letter from an English Literature major who criticizes modern science for being wrong, similar to past centuries.
- The author argues that scientific theories are not absolutely wrong but are refined over time, using examples like the Earth's shape from flat to spherical to oblate spheroid.
- The concept of 'right' and 'wrong' is challenged as being too absolute, with examples from spelling and arithmetic showing degrees of correctness.
- Historical scientific theories, like the flat Earth or geocentric model, were not entirely wrong but incomplete, leading to better models over time.
- Modern theories like relativity and quantum mechanics are seen as refinements of older theories, not complete overhauls, indicating progress rather than absolute correctness.
- The author concludes that while all theories may be incomplete, they represent significant understanding, justifying satisfaction with current scientific knowledge.