Will Scarbrough: Topic 7: Are There Limits to Science?

	My first reaction to the question of limits to 
science is one of incredulity.  Perhaps because I am 
a child who has been steeped in a culture of science, 
I have a very strong image of limitless possibilities 
for science.  The suggestion during the presentation 
that imagination does not equal possibility irked me, 
for I cannot believe that imagination now can surpass 
possible realities as time progresses.  
	As an engineer, regardless of the limits to 
science, I cannot believe there are limits to what 
humankind might create.  The StarTrek analogy 
utilized in the presentation might be a good starting 
point.  Perhaps there are no new scientific paradigm 
shifts that will lead to the discovery of a faster 
than light warp drive, yet who can deny that someday 
it will be possible for humanity to design incredible 
space-crossing ships?  A modern day example might be 
microchip design.  Where is the line between science 
and engineering?  There have been very few large 
scientific discoveries in this field, yet huge 
advances in methods of design and manufacture.  When 
this line blurs between science and engineering, 
between discovery and design, I see no boundaries 
possible.  Perhaps the common image of science as 
limitless derives from this association.  
	If there is a clear line drawn between science 
and technology, one that I don’t believe can be 
drawn, I still do not see any limits within sight.  
If there is a finite amount of knowledge to be 
discovered, it certainly cannot take equal effort and 
time to discover each piece.  There is most likely an 
increasing difficulty to access scientific knowledge, 
always leaving something to be done.  This sounds 
suspiciously similar to realism, science 
asymptotically approaching the truth, yet I may 
actually be closer to contextual realism in 
viewpoint.  
	I classify my view as modified contextual 
realism.  Scientific theory approaches the truth as 
it becomes less likely to be overturned.  Much of 
what is discovered I do not doubt is distorted by 
perspective.  However, when knowledge has been around 
for awhile, has withstood the test of time, it 
advances closer and closer to the truth.  
	Other possible limits to science including death, 
self-imposed moral limits, limited resources and 
growth, all these are possibilities.  However, none 
are absolute limits nor exist without the possibility 
of being overcome or overturned by humanity.  The 
future limits of science and technology are beyond 
any horizons I can see to.