The Absence of Incontrovertible Proof

A rendered picture of the flat Earth model. The white around the outside of the globe is an ‘Ice Wall’, preventing people from falling off the surface of the earth. 

-- Trekky0623 via Wikimedia

Fact: 

Incontrovertible proof = 

Not able to be denied or disputed.

Is there such an animal as "incontrovertible proof"? I like to use the question of the "absolute vacuum" as my example:

Q: Is it possible to have an absolute vacuum?

A: Ultimately, a perfect vacuum isn't possible because quantum theory dictates that energy fluctuations known as 'virtual particles' are constantly popping in and out of existence, even in 'empty' space.

--sciencefocus.com

A "perfect" vacuum?  Well, maybe not so much.  Is the earth round?  Well, kind of.  But, this is the way we look at facts, nowadays.  It is factual until we find that it isn't.  It is what it is until it isn't, and then it is what it is... again.  

So, it would seem that most of the "facts" we have are not incontrovertible.  This would make the "facts" the best guess that our current scientific method allows.  And, it would seem more and more scientists are okay with this "soft fact" mentality.  God forbid you would state something as fact and find out, years later. you were wrong.   Better to use the preface and pad your bet, because facts can change with new information.  

I understand that Albert Einstein used an "x" factor to make his theory of relativity work. Yeah, well, they also used an "x" factor to make .9 x ∞ = 1.  This is ridiculous because anyone can tell that there is .1 x ∞ out in the left field somewhere.

In the absence of incontrovertible proof, we have to be very careful how we couch our findings. Better we start prefacing our findings with, "For now, this is the best information we have proving the existence of... whatever. But, this can change at any moment." Concrete statements are becoming not so concrete as "wiggle room" is added for any future findings.  Anyone who states a "fact" might be risking their reputation.

It Is What It Is

“Reality is what it is, and what it isn’t, it isn’t.

Sometimes, what it is it isn’t, and what it isn’t, well... it is.

Other times it is nothing, and then it isn’t anything.

But, if it is nothing, it isn’t, and if it isn’t anything, it is.

Because acknowledging nothing gives nothing existence;

Therefore, whether it is or it isn’t, it must be,

Because even nothing that isn’t, already is.” 

-- F.A. Villari

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either view any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony: tolerantpastor@gmail.com