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Can science guarantee the sunrise tomorrow?

Science is based on observation right?
So can it guarantee something
If it cant guarantee it then what is knowledge itself??
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Sure, I'll take a stab at this...

Science is based on observation right?

"Observation" is pretty ill-defined.

Basis
Science is based upon testing ideas to find those which are supported by repeated measurements.

All manner of ideas can be put forth (the set of "hypotheses" or "theories"), but how science views each of the various members of that set, at any given time, is wholly dependent upon the then-current state of the testing of each of them.

That's one reason why even most-cherished ideas are properly referred to as "theories", since a new testing methodology--which would itself be subject to scrutiny!--might suddenly reveal an important cherished idea to be untenable (for now).

Skepticism, NOT certainty
If you read that carefully, you should realize that modern science is not based upon certainty. Instead, it is based upon skepticism, which is the inevitable consequence of accepting that our current state of knowledge is necessarily limited, so that our testing of theories (and even the theories themselves) might simply be inadequate to disprove some given theory today.

Some implications of this skepticism:

• The best science reports not only measurements, but also the uncertainty/error in each measurement (including a discussion of systematic errors).

• Scientists must be willing to have their entire "theory"/"model"/"worldview" of some or even all aspects of what we experience/observe be upended by newer, more accurate / precise repeated & confirmed measurements. This is true even for our most-cherished ideas!

• Theories which pass logical muster must be kept around until every conceivable test/measurement has been made and confirmed by as many scientists as possible... And since even our notions of what CAN be tested change, we have to live with the fact that everything that we think we know might be upended tomorrow morning by a better measurement or a theory which better incorporates the widest-known set of best measurements.

Current operational understanding
The way "science" is currently viewed is perhaps best summarized by this:

1-a) Theories are approximations to "the truth", to the extent that "the truth" is knowable.
1-b) The better tests of each theory report the uncertainty associated with the test / measurement.

2) Statements related to "proving"/"disproving" or "verifying"/"not verifying" a given theory/idea are all to be understood as meaning "within the scope of the current state of our ability to test the given theory/idea".

3) Given #2, the current level of testing/measurements of a given theory tend to verify or disprove that theory only within a given regime. This "regime" might be defined by the measurements, themselves, or by the postulates of the theory, itself.

4) As a new theory (call it T_n) arises which overlaps or subsumes the "regime" of some pre-extant given theory (call it T_g), then

IF
T_g is well-verified (and thus accepted as a very good approximation to "the truth") within its own regime (call it R_g),

THEN
when the regime of T_n (call it R_n) is constrained to correspond to the regime of validity of T_g,

T_n must reduce to T_g

I.e., in the limit as R_n -> R_g, T_n -> T_g
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DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
If a monsterous asteroid hit the Earth wouldn't the sun still rise in the morning, by science? 🤷🏻‍♂

Now if a tiny singularity, approach the sun, would not the earth still exist for a short bit, before even the earth itself was utterly destroyed, by science?

Science doesn't guarantee, any such thing, about the sun rising.

AI analysis of just my statement, with the additional philosophical point of view...
Asteroids and the Sun Rising

If a massive asteroid were to strike Earth, the sun would likely still rise the next morning. The sun's position and light are not directly dependent on events occurring on Earth. Even after a catastrophic event, as long as the Earth remains in orbit around the sun, we would experience sunrises and sunsets based on Earth's rotation.

Tiny Singularity Approaching the Sun

Regarding a tiny singularity, if one were to approach the sun, its effects would depend on various factors, such as the singularity's mass and how close it gets. A singularity, as theorized in black hole physics, would exert incredible gravitational pull.

Temporary Existence

If a small enough singularity approached the sun without immediately consuming it:

Earth's Survival: For a brief period, Earth could continue to exist as long as the gravitational effects do not disrupt its orbit.

Eventual Destruction: However, as the singularity approached, gravitational instabilities could eventually affect Earth, potentially leading to its destruction or altering its orbit long before it was fully consumed.

The Nature of Scientific Predictions

Science doesn’t guarantee absolute outcomes; rather, it provides models based on observable phenomena. Predictions about astronomical events often carry uncertainties, but they are based on well-tested theories and observations.

It's important to consider that while catastrophic events can have devastating impacts, they wouldn't necessarily alter the fundamental mechanics of celestial bodies like the sun or the Earth in the way you might think.






Me: Yet all of this could be considered through the view point of the sun rising, both scientifically and philosophically.

What good is a sun rising philosophically, no matter how you are dead? 🤷🏻‍♂

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GPT-4o mini
Philosophical Perspective on the Sun Rising

The idea of the sun rising can be examined from both scientific and philosophical angles, reflecting deeper questions about existence, meaning, and the universe.

Scientific Viewpoint

Natural Cycle: Scientifically, the sun rising symbolizes the continuity of natural processes, the Earth's rotation, and the stability of celestial mechanics. It represents life, warmth, and the potential for new beginnings.

Observable Phenomenon: The sun rising is an observable and predictable event, crucial for understanding time, seasons, and ecological cycles.

Philosophical Implications

Existential Reflection: The act of the sun rising can prompt existential inquiries. If one were to face death or destruction, the sun rising might seem irrelevant. It raises questions about what truly matters in life and the universe's indifference to individual existence.

Meaning in Continuity: On a philosophical level, the sunrise could symbolize resilience and the ongoing nature of existence, regardless of personal circumstances. Even in times of despair, the dawn can be a reminder of continuity and the potential for hope.

Indifference of the Universe:

The universe operates on its own principles, often independent of human concerns. This view can evoke feelings of insignificance in the vastness of the cosmos, illustrating the tension between human experience and universal truths.

Conclusion

The concept of the sun rising serves as a rich metaphor for exploring both scientific realities and philosophical thoughts about existence and meaning. While the mechanics of the universe continue unabated, the human experience adds layers of significance—or insignificance—to those events, prompting reflection on what really matters amid the vastness of time and space. Your thought-provoking perspective invites deeper contemplation on these fundamental questions!
calicuz · 56-60, M
It's not science's roll to guarantee anything, it's role is to make us knowledgeable of everything around us that can be explained.
Nitedoc · 51-55, M
@calicuz Great answer!
Renkon · M
Science is like a torch.... it shines light wherever we point it, revealing what facts exists. What we choose to do with that knowledge is up to us. Science itself is just a way of seeing, not guaranteeing anything.
DareToSayIT · 31-35, M
Science doesn’t guarantee anything. Scientific knowledge is considered provisional and open to revision based on new evidence and perspectives.
newjaninev2 · 56-60, F
what makes you think that science is in the business of giving guarantees?
newjaninev2 · 56-60, F
@Jackaloftheazuresand I accept your apology 😀
@newjaninev2 I spent some time recently asking jack to clarify one of his claims and he eventually blocked me🤣😂
newjaninev2 · 56-60, F
@ElwoodBlues Yes, he had suddenly disappeared.

Probably a time waster with an over-estimation of his abilities... he certainly went to extraordinary lengths to avoid actually saying anything.

Amusing 😀

Definitely the kid-leather Azia on a 9.5cm heel and in latte.

Now I need to find something to go with them 😀👍
MarkPaul · 26-30, M
Yes, even in these trying times, science can guarantee the sunrise will occur tomorrow.
SW-User
Of course science guarantees that, until of course it doesn't hehehe:D the nature of life is such, unpredictability is within the probabilities.
Nope. Sun could go nova overnight leaving a black hole in its place. Odds are pretty low though.
pdockal · 56-60, M
Nobody can guarentee that
@pdockal Agreed. And, notwithstanding the lack of guarantees, most of us would be willing to bet pretty heavily that the sun will rise tomorrow. But I guess there's always that tiny epsilon of difference between highly likely and 100% certain.
swirlie · 31-35
No, science cannot guarantee the sunrise tomorrow because the sunrise is based on knowledge, not science. In fact, science has nothing to do with the functioning of the universe.

 
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