Science and Technology

[kathyv]

Having checked Artoo's suggested site in another thread, I have copied and posted this brief sumary of SCIENCE vs PSUEDOSCIENCE.
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Science: A set of methods designed to describe and interpret observed or inferred phenomena … aimed at building a testable body of knowledge open to rejection or confirmation.
Psuedoscience: Claims presented in such a way that they appear scientific even though they lack supporting evidence and plausibility.
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Now, we will all notice the other half of this forum is TECHNOLOGY. This is going to open the door a bit wider in what I, as a mod, feel is relevant here.

Obviously methods of Science are tightly controlled to keep things from getting out of hand, create plausible data and to allow others to test and accept the ideas presented. Science follows a hypothisis and has a predicted outcome. This outcome may or may not result in the prediction. Still, missing the mark does not make the outcome less valid. Much is learned from error.

Technology on the other hand, comapired to Science can be considered almost a free for all. (I cite Bell's work on a device to amplify sounds for the Deaf which resulted in the Telephone) This leaves room for discussions on the technology developed for that which interests a poster. This is the basis on which I have chosen to allow the Star Trek discussions to remain in this forum. This would also open the possibility for people to start threads on the technology and engineering of, say, golf clubs.

Unfortunately, 'religion' has always sort of oozed into the scientists path, depending on the 'religion', the science and the religous dogma. (citing the heavens gate cult) Any teeny mention of religion, I should hope, within a post could be accepted for what it is, ignored hopefully, and forgiven. Any posts that are religous in nature will be removed, have no worries about that. You will also be given the reasons for moving/deleting and given contact info for further discusson about the decision to remove if you wish.

As posters in a fairly new forum, we are still feeling our way. Lets work together to define what should be here and shouldn't. Marhar and I are always open to discussion regarding moderation questions. I would also encourage those who wish to assist, to apply for moderatorship and help us out. We could use actual Scientists and Engineers to lend their creadability to our site. I know you did before R2, but things have changed around here and I hope you consider applying again. I am also glad to see you back.

Thank you for your time.

[Artoo]

Couldn't agree more. It's difficult, particularly with a new forum, to decide what are appropriate topics - even what to call it: "Sci, Tech and Society"? "Sci, Tech and Art"? If I stay around scotland.com (there are times when I can post frequently (like now), interspersed with times when work gets in the way) I'd be happy to help mod - although my expertise is limited to bits of the physical sciences and bits of engineering. What I don't know about the biological sciences, for example, would fill volumes.

One of the good things about the very existence of this forum is that it shows that Scotland isn't a land of bards and bravehearts. But it shouldn't get bogged down in technicalities - there are other boards for that. It would be nice if non-professionals (and a few professionals, of course) were to look in to S+T as much as to 'Cuisine' or 'Religion + Phil' - just out of interest.