neil wrote:Hard science = physics except smaller than a proton or larger than our galaxy, most of chemistry, algebra, calculus.
Things like ecconomics, history, current events, art, socialism, ET visiting Earth, paranormal, religion, politics, monetary system, government, justice, bureaucracy, psychology, biology, medicine often spill over into soft science. I had not given it much thought until you asked, so I am receptive to rebuttal. Neil
The only thing you listed as absolutely "hard science" (without qualifications) were Algebra and Calculus. It seems that you only think that Math is "hard" and everything else is "soft" to a degree.
This isn't a measure of "science" it's more like a measure of accuracy in communication (math being a very accurate communication system).
my take , again, I hate to flog the nag , but consensus has the root word concede. only after enough proof was there consensus on Plate Tectonics . All other areas, like cO2 and greenhouse gases causing climate change, are still in the debate stage among respected scientists on both sides of the debate. No one can claim themselves as winner. Therefore, no consensus.
farmerman wrote:my take , again, I hate to flog the nag , but consensus has the root word concede. only after enough proof was there consensus on Plate Tectonics . All other areas, like cO2 and greenhouse gases causing climate change, are still in the debate stage among respected scientists on both sides of the debate. No one can claim themselves as winner. Therefore, no consensus.
I agree. Consensus is the way of science. I think Crichton is wrong. Or at least that he phrased his speech sloppily.
