Tri-Force Magnets - Finally shown to be OU?

[Omnibus]

Yade and Omni are both right, in their own ways..

The process of scientific discovery IS irrational, and much like art.

the final result - the scientific fact is a sound, rational, thing. As is the final painting of an artist.

I would say you are both right.

I'd add that irrationality in the process of scientific discovery is a rare occurrence. Discoveries are mostly rational activities based on years of systematic study of a subject, applying the rational scientific method and so on. Intuition plays a certain role but it shouldn't be overemphasized. Chance also plays a role but it isn't the defining factor as well. Systematic study and generalization done with expertise have a much greater role than intuition and chance when discoveries are made.

[Yadaraf]

Yade and Omni are both right, in their own ways..

The process of scientific discovery IS irrational, and much like art.

the final result - the scientific fact is a sound, rational, thing. As is the final painting of an artist.

I would say you are both right.

sm0ky2,

Take the challenge:  I bet you can cite at least one scientific result that was/is not rational by today's standards?

Unlike Omni, I don't believe there is a rational basis -- yet -- for ALL scientific phenomenon.  Our egos lead us to believe that we have all the answers, but this is not really the case.  I think this will become more apparent in the next two decades.

Cheers

Yada..
.

[sm0ky2]

@ Yada,

sure, i could list hundreds,

but i could also list thousands more that were discovered through rational processes.

NOW - if we were to compare the impact those discoveries had on society - i would have to say that the irrationally discovered phenomena have had a greater impact, and thus could be defined as 'more important' in some abscure way.....
but not more frequent.

[Omnibus]

@Yadaraf,

This is a very pessimistic approach to science, if you don't mind that characterization. True science is intrinsically based on reason. It's very core is rational, it's the epitomy of rationality. The circumstance which assures us of that lies in fact that there are unshakable truths established in science which cannot be challenged further. This is a natural restriction which makes an artistic soul uncomfortable. When facing science a person with such poetic sensitivity always seeks to find something esoteric and unusual, some black hole or tenth dimension to hang on to. Everyday life is too dull to allow for another substantial activity such as science to sink into the prison of established norms.

Unfortunately, the truth is that from such perspective real, professional science is a very boring occupation. A professional scientist is dispassionate like the surgeon who may seem to the outsider too cold blooded when cutting live flesh. Portraying science to the public as what it really is, however, is quite counterproductive especially regarding its funding. Therefore, there are these almost appointed public relations figures, usually failed scientists, writing popular books and turning into clowns with the sole idea to make something intrinsically non appealing appear as fun..

[Omnibus]

@smOky2,

Just curious. Name one irrational discovery with a great impact.

When thinking about the most important discoveries in physics it is quite interesting that they were made by non-physicists. Think of Meyer, think of Helmholtz or Carnot or even J.W Gibbs.