[KaosTheory]

Hmm maybe you should read it again. There is a difference between knowledge and truth. The article says that we can gather a lot of "knowledge" but... is it all "True"? They defined "Truth" as that which corresponds to reality. Meaning, when used in a practical application, the predicted result and the actual result are the same.



For the purposes of discussions, the word belief should be used instead of truth. It just makes more sense to me. I have my beliefs and you have your own different (maybe) beliefs and we decide to discuss our beliefs. I say I believe X to be true and you say you disagree. I then provide a compelling line of reasoning and maybe a demonstration after which you decide that you also agree that my belief is true (corresponds to reality).



This is just an example.



Now, what if you and I are Investigators of airplane crashes and it is our job to determine the cause of the crash. If I use your definition of truth, wouldn't your job be impossible? You were not there to see the crash to observe what caused it. To you, the truth is "there is no cause". Or.... the cause is whatever you say it is because your belief makes it true. Do you see what I am getting at? Now, say I come up with a theory and you come up with a theory and your theory seems to make all the pieces fit and my theory is full of holes. I won't accept your theory though. Is your theory false? What do we do?



Here is how I see it.



The absolute truth is that something caused the crash.



My relative understanding of that truth depends on my observations and ability to reason to put together a plausable theory.



Your relative understanding of the truth depends on the same thing.



If we disagree on what caused the crash, it doesn't change the fact that there was definitely a cause.



Science is based on the belief of an absolute universe, but is relativistic in that there is no perfect knowlege or complete perception. As our knowledge base changes, so does our "perception" of reality. So one who is truely grounded in science would take the stance of modesty. This is why I use the word "Belief".





More shots in the dark........