“If it can’t be expressed in figures, it is not science; it is opinion.” -—Robert A. Heinlein”
In history, there have been scientific theories that were widely accepted only to become obsolete after new discoveries such as spontaneous generation and the flat Earth theory.
“That’s more than a little condescending....” And you’re not?
I quoted “logical” in this since because a logical assumption can depend on the issue being discussed. For instance, what is “rich” monetarily for some may not be “rich” for others.
The Assyrians had widely been written off my scholars as a mythical empire. That is, until the middle nineteenth century when it was discovered by Austen Henry Layard and Paul Emile Botta.
TJI
“The Assyrians had widely been written off my scholars as a mythical empire. That is, until the middle nineteenth century when it was discovered by Austen Henry Layard and Paul Emile Botta.”
The same could be said of Troy until it was discovered by Schliemann but I presume that doesn’t mean that you have developed a faith in Zeus.
That's not a weakness in science, it's a strength. As new evidence is presented, old theories are sometimes discarded.
“That’s more than a little condescending....” And you’re not?
Certainly, when the occasion calls for it. I just wanted you to admit that you were condescending when you asserted that all non-believers are incapable of changing their minds in the face of new evidence.
I quoted “logical” in this since because a logical assumption can depend on the issue being discussed. For instance, what is “rich” monetarily for some may not be “rich” for others.
Fair enough. Starting assumptions make a big difference, and are frequently irreconcilable when sides face off.
The Assyrians had widely been written off my scholars as a mythical empire. That is, until the middle nineteenth century when it was discovered by Austen Henry Layard and Paul Emile Botta.
As I just said elsewhere, the Bible is mixture of oral history, folklore, and myth. Many religious texts contain elements that archeologists have confirmed. That doesn't mean (for instance) that someone rose from the dead 3 days after being crucified.
And as someone else just pointed out, Troy used to be considered mythical, but is now known to have existed. That's not evidence for existence the of Ares and Athena!