Logic, Science, and the Truth
In Wilderness
Spa, a diverse group of travelers must band together to survive the harsh
Alaskan conditions. Fireside chats
between the characters take place in the midst of danger, uncertainty, and
possible death, maintained their dignity with communal discourse and reasoning.
The following guidelines helped preserve their civility.
Logic is defined as reasoning conducted or assessed
according to strict principles of validity. This is a popular definition.
Science, likewise, can be defined as the pursuit and application of knowledge,
and an understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic
methodology based on evidence. The scientific method prescribes exacting
orderly steps to find the truth: Identify a problem, collect and study data,
form a hypothesis, and empirically test the hypothesis. When multiple tests
yield identical results, the hypothesis may stand the test of time.
Inconsistent results reveal either testing errors, or an invalid hypothesis.
Science depends on the strict principles of validity, as defined by logic, and
the truth must run the gamut of the scientific method.
Points of
discussion are referred to as arguments, meaning reasons, or contentions. An
argument presented with the knowledge that it is not valid is a lie. All
subsequent arguments supported by a lie must be false as well, as a house built
on a faulty foundation cannot stand. Questioning every argument is not rude. If
the argument is presented in good faith, the presenter will welcome an
opportunity to offer enlightenment and additional supporting data. Only a
presenter offering an erroneous argument, possibly with devious intentions,
will take offense at questioning.
My goal
when writing discussions in Wilderness Spa was to explore the best ways
to talk about difficult subjects, especially when the characters held such
diverse opinions. I am passionate about understanding different viewpoints, but
to discusses these differences in a logical, considerate manner should be a
priority.
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