Flat Earth and Discussing Science

I was reading about this cool Russian X-Ray orbiting observatory when it dawned on me that I couldn’t even have a conversation about it with flat earthers. Besides believing in a flat earth, they don’t believe we have satellites. Think about that. It requires the increasing number of companies, in an increasing number of space-faring […]

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What is Science?

Science is merely the collection of tools that lead to our most reliable knowledge. Different tools work in different situations but they all require taking careful, methodical measurements. Quality tools work when wielded properly by people who know how to use them while sincerely trying to learn. An underpinning of science is the realization that […]

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Reliable Knowledge

All knowledge comes in degrees of certainty or reliability. Reliability is merely an expression of certainty. We’re MORE certain of knowledge if it: Comes from sound evidence. Makes sense with how the universe works. Is not based on less reliable knowledge. We build stuff that works by basing it on reliable knowledge. How will gasoline […]

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But Science Changes its Mind?

By 2010 it was clear that peanut allergies were a growing problem. And it wasn’t just doctors diagnosing them more often — more kids were presenting at emergency rooms with serious symptoms, and occasionally dying. Not surprisingly, the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) came out with advice to not feed peanut containing foods to babies. […]

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Who Can I Believe?

If you can test something yourself, that’s the best source. You can believe yourself *BUT*, realize the power of bias. We are the easiest to fool if we are trying to validate our own understanding rather than really test it. Test a claim using methods that others will use who question the claim. Otherwise they’ll […]

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Only one Science

There is only one Science. It’s the collection of tools that help us extract reliable knowledge. We know a tool works because the knowledge it uncovers can withstand challenge or serve as a reliable building block for other knowledge.

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