Nicole Wolf: Topic 7: Are There Limits to Science?

	Are there limits to science?  This question can 
not be answered simply.  I have never thought about 
the possibility of knowing "everything".  I do agree 
with Seth's ray analogy, in that science seems to be 
a ray (limited and unlimited).  In theory, we will 
eventually know "everything" if all knowledge is 
compared to a closed system, but the components can 
still be constantly changing.  Therefore, even in 
this system, there is always the potential for 
gaining new knowledge.  I think it is somewhat 
egotistic for man to say they are able to know 
"everything", for the definition of "everything" is 
vast and hazy.  We may never even know what comprises 
"everything".
	Science is inherently linked to society; it is 
society that places most of the limits on science 
(morals, ethics, and religion).  Yes, we are able to 
clone, but moral limits are placed on genetics that 
constain our ability to implement this practice.  
Society dictates what knowlegde we should fully 
discover and understand and what we should not.  This 
illustrates the second definition of science that you 
illustrated.  I believe this blending of the realism 
and strong theories is the best description of 
science today.  Contextual realism shows that science 
is grounded in truth but is distorted by 
perspectives.
	The case studies you presented were interesting, 
even though I am not particularly interested in 
physics, anthropology or archaeology, for they 
clearly highlighted key points in the presentation.  
I was interested in one of the points you highlighted 
- imagination does not necessarily equal potential 
knowledge.  I am not a fan of science fiction, but I 
still look to the future and think about flying cars, 
etc.  Things like flying cars (for example) seem to 
have future reality, when it is a mere imagination.  
All in all- a good presentation for the time limit 
you had.