Limitations of Science

originally posted by: intrptr
a reply to: Dark Ghost

I had a vivid dream last night involving a hovercraft, dragons…

Unless you can produce a dragon scale to science for examination there isn't much they can do to verify your claims. Imagination is even more rampant during sleep.

Instruments don't go there.

Maybe one day they will invent a dream camera or mass spectrometer that works in both worlds.

Instruments are starting to go there...

Polysomnography

Dream research.

An algorithm predicts the images in a dream

A learning simulation, combined with fMRI readings, is able to predict the visualizations seen by a dreamer in real time

Read more: www.smithsonianmag.com...

www.telegraph.co.uk...

Researchers in Japan were able to identify broad categories of what was seen in dreams with 60 per cent accuracy.
It is hoped the development could eventually help to unlock the surreal world of sleepers’ dreams, with widespread implications for psychological therapy and sleep research.
Dr Robert Stickgold, a neuroscientist and dream expert from Harvard Medical School in Boston, described the study as ''stunning in its detail and success''.
He told the journal Science: ''This is probably the first real demonstration of the brain basis of dream content.''
The experiments, conducted in Japan, involved three volunteers who were encouraged to take naps in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) machine.

Recordings from the fMRI brain scans were examined for activity patterns that coincided with the dream categories. Volunteers were also asked to look at photos from the internet corresponding to their dreams while their brain activity was monitored.
The data were used to train a computer programme to recognise the brain activity ''signatures'' associated with different types of dream image, while weeding out non-visual brain activity during sleep.
In a second round of dreaming, the programme successfully predicted what kind of images each volunteer was dreaming about with 60 per cent accuracy.
The team wrote in Science: ''Our findings provide evidence that specific contents of visual experience during sleep are represented by, and can be read out from, visual cortical activity patterns shared with stimulus representation.''

a reply to: Ex_MislTech

A readout in chart form of signals produced by someone asleep is still external to the mind. It doesn't 'see' (let alone take pictures) of what the dreamer sees.

it can't because those pics don't exist in the real world.

Not debating prescience here or "foretelling" (abhor that descriptive). Somethng different altogether. Thats real world events foretold or perceived before they happen. Awake or asleep, but usually awake… ever thought of someone, the phone rings and its them?

a reply to: theabsolutetruth

Makes sense.

originally posted by: Dark Ghost
How can the most subjective of experiences be viewed in an objective manner?

That article is a good read - thank you for that and this thread.

Yes, the most subjective of experiences is awareness itself, and yet science cannot prove its existence.

Science is great in many areas in terms of serving us, but obviously is very limited in its scope. Unfortunately, its materialistic roots and its supposedly infallible approach to truth has made it into a worldview that has become the belief system or religion of the masses. Combined with the materialistic message of endless consumerism for one and all, this "religion" is destroying the planet and we are suffering the consequences.

Science, like religion or philosophy is only as good as the questions it ask.

"Science is always wrong. It never solves a problem without creating 10 more." -- George Bernard Shaw

a reply to: Specimen

"It never solves a problem without creating 10 more"

Thats the best part, after all what would we do should the answers to everything become apparent?

Science and religion are a lot closer related than most imagine considering they pose similar questions.

a reply to: and14263

For the production of parrots paying beak service to others ... but where is original thought ... Like truth it needs no pieces of paper or letters after one's name ...

Leonardo Da Vinci being an example ... He was illegitimate ... a bastard ... and as such was Not permitted to receive formal education ... Of which he said he was glad because it allowed him to do his own thinking ...

a reply to: andy06shake

Science is knowledge, religions are belief systems.

Seeing science as a mythical concept is misinterpreting it's function. Scientific study has Academic parameters for truthfulness and professionalism and is not declaring itself a closed encyclopedia, there is always continual knowledge, each new discovery fueling questions towards the next discovery, the knowledge ever evolving as more is known, like revealing a picture and fitting pieces of a puzzle together.

Chances are the limitations of the human brain will never fully comprehend the totality of existence, the Universe and it's dimensions but Science is the way forward in doing as much as possible for reaching as far as possible.

Science, being knowledge covers esoteric wisdom, it cannot pertain to analyse specific religious belief systems apart from logically, such as historically factual analysis and psychology etc. though is now researching within the realms of dimensions and the creative forces of the Universe and ultimately religion is just mans' interpretation of those energies.

originally posted by: theabsolutetruth
a reply to: BlueMule

Science is knowledge, it has to have parameters with which to measure/ analyse, for accuracy.

If a concept has less measurable parameters, it isn't the fault of science, it is the limitations of the concept or the ability for humanity to accurately determine the measurable factors in the concept.

Science is not knowledge. It's just a method of gaining data. What you make of data is open to interpretation. If science is worthy of receiving credit for accomplishments then it is worthy of blame for wrongdoings, such as fraud.

It doesn't go on in a vacuum. It is corrupted everyday by the closed minds of scientists, by money and greed, by politics, by taboo, by social norms, by sexism, by fear.

👣

a reply to: theabsolutetruth

I still think they both pose similar questions. As to our limitations and what we will be capable of comprehending regarding our reality, i imagine there are limits simply due to our design.

If we can repeat an experiment with the same results we call it Science, ultimately through is just Mans best guess based on the information available.

a reply to: andy06shake

"Ask an ye shall receive."

Thing is with religion, it comes up with one quick solution, that will lead to problems that are like the 10 plagues of Egypt.

It is amazing how religion does share the basics, to rituals, organization, and communication through communion or fidelity.

I gotta lay off the old testament theme park ride.

a reply to: Specimen

I dont particularly mind religions per-say, accept for when they become organised. Thats where the problem begins and the control constructs start to flow.

a reply to: andy06shake

True, but it usually get in the way of Gods divine plans, which usually angers God pretty easily.

a reply to: Specimen

True, but it usually get in the way of Gods divine plans, which usually angers God pretty easily.

Sounds like the God you speak of needs Anger Management Councilling ... just because he does not get his own way he has tantrums ... I personally would ground him or send him to boot camp

a reply to: Specimen

Well apparently God gave us freewill so lets face it, if he/she/its somehow offended by Humanity's present condition, short of turning up to correct the situation, it entirely of his own volition.

a reply to: andy06shake

Well apparently God gave us freewill so lets face it, if he/she/its somehow offended by Humanity's present condition, short of turning up to correct the situation, it entirely of his own volition.

Yes he gave free will but if you do not do as He says ... you are bound for Hell ... which is as real as the idea one might go blind by masticating (excuse spelling) too much

a reply to: artistpoet

Lets see, God destroyed cities by inspiring others to destroy Gods enemies while after some pain and misery discovered it wasn't worth it, caused a flood which supposed killed the fabled Nepihlim which he made by kicking the fallens ones out of the ranks, which used to eat us supposedly to antagonizing Gilgamesh by destroy his city with the flood, to crucifying his Son.

No, God was just on schedule.

a reply to: Specimen

This God sounds like a psychopath ... he would do well in government ...

a reply to: artistpoet

If there is a hell it will be of our own creation and most lightly be on Earth. I just cannot imagine any God that created us consigning our souls to oblivion for carrying out what apparently is his plan in the first place.