Philosophy, Science and Information

Philosophy

Philosophy is like an operating system. You may have the best hardware in the world, but with a lousy operating system you won't get effective performance out of your equipment.

In order to deal with reality effectively, a philosophy needs to be accurate. A rational animal should strive to have accurate concepts so as to effectively interpret perceptions. An inaccurate philosophy leads to errors, pain, and possibly death. With an accurate philosophy, goals can be achieved.

Science

The key in science it to always remember that it is used to model the universe. If new phenomena are observed which contradict previous theory, then the theory should be revised, i.e., a new hypothesis generated and tested so that new theory can be formed.

Mathematics is pure and descriptive, but mathematics must reflect reality, not the other way around. This is also true of logic. A statement which is logically correct may not always be physically correct. False premises lead to errors.

There are no contradictions in nature. If you think you have run across a contradiction, check your premises, one or more of them is in error.

Information

Once information is released, it cannot be retrieved, you can't "take it back" or receive a fair price for it. This may help to explain why Pons and Fleischmann risked their careers by going public. If they had published in journals, they would have received standard academic credit, but not the financial rewards that their discovery merited. This may also explain why the secrets of successful cold fusion ( if it is viable ), would be kept under wraps. It is sad when finance affects science.

Let's assume for a minute that man is a rational animal. What is the most valuable commodity for an animal whose distinguishing characteristic is the ability to think?... ( Insert Jeopardy theme music here... ) (Hint: the title of this section.)

Cooperation

The solution to interstellar travel will arrive more quickly if scientists pool their information. Although various powers that be may be guilty of hiding information, there is no need for scientists to commit the same error. Most scientists would probably agree that discussion can lead to rapid progress.

Scientists should strive to avoid the stalemate of competitive research. Hopefully, our species has evolved beyond such a primitive level. Scientists tend to be undervalued in today's culture. Competitive science only worsens the situation for scientists and the public perception of science.

Interstellar travel may be the single most significant advancement made by our species. These documents represent an opening bid in a somewhat noble effort to encourage open scientific discussion of the topic.

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