Bertrand Russell writes in Our Knowledge of the External World: What's the difference between physics and religion?
Alpha Rules: But don't worry. Since you're an atheist it's doubtful these rules will be enforced. Forum rules don't apply to atheists.
OilIsMastery, Christians believe that Jesus will save the world. Physicists are trying to do it themselves.
The difference is evidence. Before you point to string theory or something, know that these are tentative ideas, not tenets of faith.
Did you read the opening post? "In physics as ordinarily set forth there is much that is unverifiable." What evidence are you talking about?
You missed this bit: They're not engaged by default. "Bertrand Russell says so" hardly counts as a specific example.
There is some extrapolation from the specific to the general, is that what you mean? Some principles are detected and verified indirectly, from their effects on something else.
In physics there are hypotheses which cannot possibly be tested and will never be tested. Therefore physics is speculative. Just like metaphysics and religion. I'd sooner believe in chimeras and faeries than physics.
But these are acknowledged to be hypothesis until they are confirmed. Unlike religion, they are not considered fact until then. On some level, you are correct that theoretical physics (as opposed to the physics used to put the space shuttle in orbit), resembles the most liberal forms of religion. The requirements for confirmation of these ideas are very different, though.
Physics makes factual claims all the time based upon assumptions and principles which by definition cannot be proven. In religion on the other hand we acknowledge our hypthesis is called faith not certainty. Religion is far more scientific than physics. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
No, I do not know who that IS. If there is someone around by that name he probably has little to do with this topic anyway. But I do know of someone by that name who once existed. Perhaps that's who you mean and you simply don't know how to use verbs properly?:bugeye: