Quote:
Originally Posted by Van Rijn
The potential is there, if compelling contrary evidence were found. It is unlikely such evidence exists, but nothing about the theory, or any theory, disallows the possibility. Regarding Einstein, we're still testing that. For example, Gravity Probe B.
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Hi
Van Rijn. Your comments express a mainstream sceptical view, but surely such humility on behalf of the scientific ability to understand nature is misplaced? My comment was that the core of main scientific theories is not going to be overturned by data. I simply believe that science has advanced to a level where it can recognise both the validity of its knowledge within core uncontested areas, and also recognise peripheral issues where findings are less certain. New findings are much more likely to add to current core knowledge rather than overturn it. In the case of gravity, the Newtonian inverse square law is basically correct, and relativistic effects are only detectable in exceptional places. Surely we can say that the law of gravity is true, with some qualifiers, and that the truth of the law is decisive for possible observations?