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| Robert L. Oldershaw... |
 Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 6:53 am |
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Guest
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There is a deep pit of uncertainty right at the heart of theoretical
physics. It is the fact that the strength of gravitational
interactions within the atom has never been measured empirically.
Physicists have papered over this gaping uncertainty with the
assumption that the standard Newtonian value of G applies on all
scales of nature’s hierarchy. There is also a sign next to the
papered-over pit that says: “DANGER! Stay Far Away!”
While it is useful in science to make an assumption and see where it
leads, it is not acceptable in science to allow the assumption to
metamorphose into “empirical fact” merely through repetition and lack
of questioning.
The assumption must be tested empirically, and candidly treated as
purely an educated guess until it is empirically verified or
empirically falsified. Other assumptions should also be considered.
Robert L. Oldershaw
www.amherst.edu/~rloldershaw |
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