Re: [compost_tea] compost tea a pseudoscience?
Well said Chris, Happy Thanksgiving one and all.
Dave
----- Original Message -----
From: chris reid
To: Compost Tea
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2003 6:37 PM
Subject: [compost_tea] compost tea a pseudoscience?
Ted Peterson said:
"brewing is still a little like pseudoscience as opposed to hard science
because there are so many little understood variables."
***
PSEUDOSCIENCE
Pronunciation: s`oodows'Iuns
WordNet Dictionary
Definition: [n] an activity resembling science but based on fallacio=
us
assumptions
See Also: alchemy, astrology, fallacy, false belief, star divination
****
reply: Probably that word does not convey the idea of an emerging body of
knowledge, being explored with little outside funding but in a way that
attempts to build that body of knowledge on objective observations and
testing. I also don't know how to describe a group of scientists,
professional and amateur horticulturists working together on a project su=
ch
as this list represents.
TED SAID:
Let's say it's a developing science that uses some scientific method for
validation of a process not totally understood.
reply: A thought: Maybe we could say that science is not science becaus=
e
of how far along in the process of "finding answers" a particular inquiry
is; it's science because of the method used.
And, we're going to end up closer to answers with scientific skepticism (=
a
skepticism borne out of an objective search for answers) than either
hosannas or brickbats. Either can reflect lack of scientific approach to
gathering facts, and examining them without a particular conclusion alrea=
dy
reached (tea is wonderful, tea is awful).
I hope that if I ever search for a new planet with my backyard telescope,=
I
will not in so doing discredit the science of astronomy...
I love good questions and scientific skepticism from people who are here =
to
learn. My first impulse is to avoid exclusion and limiting groups only t=
o
those who fit the mold. I have learned that sometimes, when poeple are no=
t
here to learn, the result can be productive and counterproductive and eac=
h
of us must decide whether in balance one outweighs the other.
Ted, as far as I'm concerned, your skeptical questions and observations a=
re
welcome. Please don't sit and bite your fingernails off as you read post=
s
that you feel aren't skeptical enough, and I hope you will raise question=
s
about areas you think need to be explored. I think I learn more by askin=
g
good questions, and not accepting what is "known" as the Last Best and On=
ly
Answer, and I appreciate it when other people do the same.
When people come to me with skeptical questions about something I have co=
me
to believe, I note that I like to have them asked in a way that is not
offputting or denigrating or insulting. It makes it easier to reconsider=
my
point of view, and to hear them out. I actually think the recent
difficulties have more to do with the manner in which the list is being
addressed than the fact of skepticism. I have had periods of great nail
biting and deciding how to respond on this list when the hosannas were to=
o
thick and heavy for my taste. When people learn that there are sacred co=
ws,
they stop exploring those issues or challenging those people. And we all
lose if we are really up to advancing what we know about using compost te=
a
and not furthering anyone's commercial agenda.
As my landscape design professor used to say, "Keep looking. Don't settl=
e
on a quick solution. There is always, always a better way."
Chris Reid
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Received on Wed Nov 26 2003 - 12:18:04 EST
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: Tue Feb 07 2012 - 14:14:53 EST