Science Is Imperfect

Science Is An Imperfect Science

by Gloria Merle Huffman

2/9/2013

292 words

Pessimistic meta-induction states that the abandonment of theories in the history of science leads us to assume that our best current scientific theories will also be abandoned, and that therefore we should not support them.

That would be like saying I should never put my foot down to get from where I am to where I want to go. If I cross a stream on stepping stones, and one stone is unstable but I manage to stay on it just long enough to go on to the next step, that shaky stepping stone still helps to advance my progress.

Each scientific theory that makes sense of as much as is consciously (or unconsciously) known by the theorist at present, and that allows devices to operate upon its principles, is a useful theory even though it may ignore other known principles or be ignorant of principles yet to be discovered.

The problem lies not in the imperfection of scientific theories conceived by finite human minds, but in the disdain and ingratitude we express towards the steps we or others have already taken to explore the playground of the infinite universe we live in, and to move us (forward, we hope) incrementally within it.

To refuse to build upon the current or the next imperfect step is to stop stepping and come to a halt. The only reason to come to a halt is if it becomes clear that a path leads to no good end, especially if the survival of part or all of humanity or the earth is at stake. In that case, abandonment is a good idea, but a new path must be found and a new series of steps must be begun. In short, the gathering of benefits from scientific thought (that is, careful step-by-step observation) and the judgment and avoidance of potential hazards en route must never be abandoned. Never stop stepping!

© 2013 Gloria Merle Huffman

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