Science Is Dead

Empiricism: Science is predicted on empiricism, which makes the following proposition: The Empiricism Thesis: We have no source of knowledge in S or for the concepts we use in S other than sense experience[1]. This is to say scientific knowledge is a posteriori, which indicates a few axioms. Science is predicated on axioms such: The reliability of reason The validity of sensory input The uniformity of nature These axioms could conceivably be false in some possible world W, however they appear to be true in this world, and as such we can make meaningful claims. Science is not in the business of providing information with 100% certainty, it is in the business of providing information with maximum certainty. Due to the problem of hard solipsism , it seems to be impossible to have justified certainty, so if pro’s disposition with science is that it doesn’t provide certainty, then it will never be resolved. Semantic Distinction: The everyday use of the word theory is different from the scientific use of the word theory. In everyday use, theory may be synonymous to a conjecture or speculation, however science takes a way more rigorous definition: “ scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed, preferably using a written, pre-defined, protocol of observations and experiments”[2]. Let’s juxtapose this definition with what a “fact” is. Fact- “ A thing that is indisputably the case.” A fact is an expression of certainty. As aforementioned, science is not in the business, nor has it ever been in the business of making “fact”, or”certainty” claims. A scientific theory can be interpreted as the best possible explanation, or what is most reasonably the case. So pro’s objection that the replacement of fact over theory ruined science is erroneous, because science never been in the business of epistemological certainty. Advancements in Science: Pro appears to be merely asking that I produce one advancement since 72, however I can do much better. AI: Advances in AI, or artificial technology, obviously post-1972, yields many benefits. Animal preservation- AI’s are used to track and monitor endangered species, and keep an accurate measure of the population. Search and rescue. AI’s can scan disaster areas efficiently and accurately, locating and subsequently saving trapped individuals at a much more higher rate than traditional methods. Regarding cyber security, AI’s can identify security vulnerabilities and offer solutions to these. Sensory repair, a man was paralyzed from a car crash, and two chip implantations, one in the sensory cortex, and one in the motor cortex, allowed the man to telekinetically control a prosthetic arm and the arm allowed him to feel. [3] New Ancestor: In 2015, a previously undiscovered precursor to modern humans was found -- homo nalendi. CRISPR: Gene modification has been making significant progress, having many implications such as the modification non-human organs such that they would be viable for human transplant, and even the genetic modification of mosquitoes to eliminate malaria. Species: 211 new species were discovered in 2015 alone. Cancer Detection: Swedish scientists developed a blood-test that can detect cancer 96% of the time, and furthermore classify the cancer, and inform courses of treatment. New Antibiotic FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 30 YEARS: A new antibiotic called teixobactin was produced, which can treat conditions such as tuberculosis, septicaemia, and C. diff(clostridium difficile colitis). This antibiotic may usher in a new era of antibiotic development against resistant bacteria. [4] Conclusion: Science is not concerned with “facts”, and as such “theory” is the best we can hope far, but this is not a problem, “theory” is the most rigorous expression of science we have. There have been many recent, significant developments in science. Sources: [1]-http://plato.stanford.edu... [2]-https://en.wikipedia.org... [3]-http://www.livescience.com... [4]-http://www.upi.com...