Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id OAA11175 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-bounces@mmu.ac.uk); Wed, 26 Sep 2001 14:59:54 +0100 From: Philip Jonkers <P.A.E.Jonkers@phys.rug.nl> X-Authentication-Warning: rugth1.phys.rug.nl: www-data set sender to jonkers@localhost using -f To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk Subject: RE: Dawkins was right all along Message-ID: <1001512514.3bb1de424d548@rugth1.phys.rug.nl> Date: Wed, 26 Sep 2001 15:55:14 +0200 (CEST) References: <20010925204630.AAA17330@camailp.harvard.edu@[128.103.125.215]> In-Reply-To: <20010925204630.AAA17330@camailp.harvard.edu@[128.103.125.215]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit User-Agent: IMP/PHP IMAP webmail program 2.2.6 X-Originating-IP: 129.125.13.3 Sender: fmb-bounces@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
Wade:
> I do see science as the unbiaser, and necessary for reflective
> reflection, and not just a perspectively-marred and
> lens-distorted glimmer.
Hi Wade,
In science there must be a strong interaction between experiment
and theory (set of formalized beliefs following from
primary assumptions). Ulitimately it is experiment that
either confirms or rejects a theory. Consequently, science
must aim to explain experiment. Science therefore necessarily
has to be biased (towards experiment). However, this bias is
plastic in the sense that it must conform unconditionally
to experiment at all times.
If this demand is not met, it's better calling it religion
or metascience rather than science.
> And science mixed with emotion is only true when it is art.
Emotion is indespensible even in such a modest and unpretentious
endeavour as science. Animals have emotion to reinforce or
alter certain behavior. When you suffer the sad emotion
you should try to prevent the very thing that made you sad
next time. When you're happy you want to repeat the thing
that led your happiness. When you're angry, you want to
change or ease the current state you're in by neutralizing the
culprit source or by effecting retribution and thus to
help prevent it to occur next time. Emotions are meant to
take affirmative action. An animal without emotions is a zombie.
When you're happy as a scientist with progress made, you simply
continue along the path chosen. When you're unhappy, it's
likely to make suitable changes aiming at making you happy
ultimately. Emotions also determine your degree of motivation
in conducting scientific research. If you don't think you'll
like what you are about to embark in, you're level of motivation
probably is inadequate. Therefore human emotions propel
science (performed by humans).
> And art is the cultural science.
Art's no science. It's just an elevated form of pass-time
activity. IMO, art means to express a moment of inspiration,
preferrably laced with emotion of some kind, the artist had
at the moment of creation of the art-work.
Philip.
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