Katherine Lewis: Topic 7: Are There Limits to Science?

Group 7 had a difficult task in discussing the limits 
of science.  I particularly enjoyed Seth's ray 
analogy.  It was the the most clear example of the 
perceptions of science and limits.  Many of the other 
parts of the presentation were interesting but I had 
trouble understanding some of the terminology.  The 
"slide show" at the end of the presentation was a 
nice way of wrapping up the series of Speaker's 
Corners.  Group 7 showed us that the idea of limits 
is present in each of the subjects presented before 
it.  Their presentation made me think about a couple 
of points.
  First, Does lack of knowledge constitute a limit?  
The example given was the extent to which we 
"improve"  technology in sci-fi films.  We can 
imagine life as it is in Star Trek but could it ever 
be that way?  We might not ever reach the 
technological capabilities that we are able to 
imagine.  However, I don't think this is a limit.  We 
still have the idea and create the illusion.  The 
technology is not concrete but the fact  that it is a 
possible outcome, fabricated by one's imagination is 
not a limit.  We should not limit human imagination 
and should not think of it as limiting.  Imagination 
is a realm where things can exist without being 
possible.  This is not a shortcoming of imagination, 
it is just how it is.
  Second,  how does religion affect the idea of 
limits?  If one believes in God has he/she already 
placed a limit on human ability?  God is supposed to 
be an omniscient being.   God is supposed to be at a 
level that humankind may never attain.  Is the fact 
tht someone exists on a higher realm than one of us 
ever will constitute a limit?  If so, wouldn't 
science be limited too?  
  Overall, there is an interesting conflict in the 
definition of a limit.  Is something that cannot 
exist a limit or simply a mystery?  The topic is very 
interesting and it would be nice if the group had had 
more time to elaborate.