Articles Archive

Certain Proofs

by

Charles R. Crooks

It is a part of an evolutionary stage where thoughts and ideas are made known to us that have certain truths, or validity. Validity for purposes of this discussion is superior to the term truth. Truth at times is dependent upon the current reality of the individual or society for which they reside. As an example consider the following information regarding Galileo, an Italian Physicist and Astronomer. He held that the earth orbited around the sun contrary to the Church’s position. The Roman Catholic Church held that the sun and all bodies orbited the earth. A short history follows:

In 1630, he accepted a position as mathematician and philosopher to the Grand Duke of Tuscany. While publishing the findings of Copernican Heliocentric (sun-centered) universe in 1632, he later suffered the wrath of the Roman Catholic Church who in 1633 forced Galileo to recant his support of the Copernican system, placed him under lifelong house arrest where he later died. Three hundred and fifty nine years later, in 1992, the Church acknowledged that its condemnation of Galileo was a mistake.

Galileo helped develop the scientific method by using experimentation to test physical theories.

Galileo’s history demonstrates the need for Certain Proofs, or Validation, as truths like reality are in many cases, inaccurate.

As seen in Galileo’s example, the current reality of the society and in this case the church suppressed the facts later realized by that same society to be true, or valid. There is a problem we all face in the task of determining whether something is valid. The question remains, are we willing to pay the price of having one of our so-called truths invalidated?

A characteristic that may be responsible for this behavior which humanity exhibits could be called laziness. As noted, this is a general description and is for purposes of demonstration only. However, many have found it easier to follow what another has said rather than test the content. Even though the information may not be valid, but may be close enough logically as to bring some sort of resolution to the subject at hand. With that the individual accepts the information to be true. They will also pass this so-called truth to others as a fact. Those receiving this information will in most cases consider the conviction of the presenter and accept what is said. This is one of the means where false beliefs develop. Not to mention various forms of gossip may find their roots in what may be determined half-truths.

We will find that to validate the various principles and concepts requires some effort. However, everyone has the tools to validate any information presented. It is just a matter of putting forth the effort.