Cofty said-
Adam you arrogantly ignored my argument and illustration because I dont have a degree.
Cofty, I couldn't understand your "argument" (you mean the 'coin in your pocket' thing); it was clear you were as confused as RoseMary on the point. But more importantly, it reinforced that you don't understand that the word 'fact' has a different meaning when used within the scientific circles (AKA a scientific fact) than it does to a layperson, and I'm trying to help you and others see that point with my prior post, and now this one.
Scientific definition of 'fact'
(BTW, note that the VERY first definition of "scientific fact" that pops up when Googling IS from Dr Scott's organization, ncse.com:
http://ncse.com/evolution/education/definitions-fact-theory-law-scientific-work
Science uses specialized terms that have different meanings than everyday usage. These definitions correspond to the way scientists typically use these terms in the context of their work. Note, especially, that the meaning of “theory” in science is different than the meaning of “theory” in everyday conversation.
- Fact: In science, an observation that has been repeatedly confirmed and for all practical purposes is accepted as “true.” Truth in science, however, is never final and what is accepted as a fact today may be modified or even discarded tomorrow.
From freedictionary.com:
Noun 1. scientific fact - an observation that has been confirmed repeatedly and is accepted as true (although its truth is never final)
In contrast, a non-scientific (laymen's) definition for 'fact' is often suggests more bombastic or dogmatic certainty and unchangability:
a thing that is indisputably the case. "she lacks political experience—a fact that becomes clear when she appears in public"
synonyms: reality, actuality, certainty
1. something that actually exists; reality; truth: Your fears have no basis in fact. 2. something known to exist or to have happened: Space travel is now a fact.
Cofty said-
Deal with what people say not who they are.
And how am I not doing that?
Unfortunately, what we say often reveals who we are, and our level of education. You certainly don't expect me to apologize for knowing something you don't know, do you? Who's arrogant, again? You didn't get enough of that kind of thing (the arrogance of ignorance, forcing reality to bend to accommodate one's authoritarian dictates) in the JWs, huh?
See, the thing is I remember repeatedly explaining this very point in threads in which you've participated, but hope springs eternal that this time it might 'stick'. It's not about who's wrong or right, but in were the TRUTH actually lies (that is, unless you still prefer to only believe what you WANT to believe)...
Adam
