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Showing posts from March, 2019

Materialistic Thinking - Rational or Irrational?

Materialistic Thinking - Rational or Irrational? A materialistic way of thinking assumes that science is the be-all and end-all of human knowledge. Those who have this outlook claim that the methods of science are the only reliable ways to secure knowledge of anything "Science provides all the significant truths about reality and knowing such truths is what real understanding is about." (Alex Rosenberg, philosopher of science) It is not so surprising that some people are starry eyed about science. It has such a huge beneficial impact on daily life in the western world. Smart phones, laptops, airplanes, television, domestic appliances etc. are all around us. Science, and the technology arising from it, greatly helps us to communicate, easily gain information, be entertained, visit foreign countries, and reduce domestic drudgery. But should we really treat science as our exclusive guide to reality? Are there no other credible sources of knowledge and understanding about our exi

Exceptions To The Rule: The Speed Of Light (And Gravity?)

Exceptions To The Rule: The Speed Of Light (And Gravity?) Within Relativity Theory, if there is anything that is not intuitive it is the fact that in the entire Universe, it is the speed of light (and gravity?) alone that is absolute or fixed, not something like space being absolute or time being absolute. It's not intuitive in that all the other not-light bits and pieces that are in motion can be added or subtracted. The lone exception to that universal rule that velocities can be mathematically combined is the speed of light (and gravity?). Repeat for emphasis: the anomaly here is that in any other scenario, anything that is not-light and in motion, velocities can be added and subtracted. Repeat again: with that one speed of light exception, velocities may be added or subtracted. If you are on a treadmill that's moving left at 5 MPH, and you're on it walking to the right at 5 MPH, to an external observer you are waking yet standing still. You're much more likely to hi