Thank you- a very enjoyable article. Re scientific discovery, perhaps the key difference is between deductive logic (if this, then that: evidence and logic based) , and inductive logic ( the perception of patterns derived or inferred from previous experience, or simply insight)? Inductive logic is also useful in other spheres, such as the geo-political. For example, deductive logic views Russian tanks on the Ukraine border as simply a fact; inductive logic recognises a preparation for invasion. In academic archaeology article, deductive, evidence based logic is usually used to analyse the findings; inductive logic is used in the discussion section to posit what these findings may mean.
Yes! The best thinking usually involves a combination of both. But I suppose there are some realms where inductive logic may be impossible because there’s no way to measure a phenomenon. I like the “madcap science” article because it pushes us to think about whether those areas should be considered “unscientific” or not.
Florida: where the ants have better healthcare than humans!
An always enjoyable romp through science, Brian. Brilliant!
PS: Firesign Theatre is among the best comedy ever.
Firesign Theatre? They did pose one of Life's great questions:
" How can you be in two places at once, when you're really nowhere at all?"
I thought that the Beddoes Pneumatic Institue was a Firesign Theater reference. Now I find out it was a real thing fifty years later.
You actually made me smile, at the end of a grueling day..
Thank you- a very enjoyable article. Re scientific discovery, perhaps the key difference is between deductive logic (if this, then that: evidence and logic based) , and inductive logic ( the perception of patterns derived or inferred from previous experience, or simply insight)? Inductive logic is also useful in other spheres, such as the geo-political. For example, deductive logic views Russian tanks on the Ukraine border as simply a fact; inductive logic recognises a preparation for invasion. In academic archaeology article, deductive, evidence based logic is usually used to analyse the findings; inductive logic is used in the discussion section to posit what these findings may mean.
Yes! The best thinking usually involves a combination of both. But I suppose there are some realms where inductive logic may be impossible because there’s no way to measure a phenomenon. I like the “madcap science” article because it pushes us to think about whether those areas should be considered “unscientific” or not.
Thank u… a fun Monday morning read… and the book I happen to be reading right now is…. Fluke… by u! Good book btw…
So glad you’re enjoying it!