SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Politics : The Left Wing Porch
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: The Philosopher who wrote (4066)2/14/2001 11:43:09 PM
From: DayuhanRead Replies (2) of 6089
 
You talked about an argument "based on data." But all data are opinions. There are no facts. What we call facts are merely more broadly agreed opinions.

Cosmic was talking about various forms of medicine; a good example. Imagine that 300 people have the same disease. 100 receive no treatment at all, 100 receive treatment A, 100 receive treatment B. 60 of those in the no-treatment group die, 25 of those receiving treatment A die, and none of those receiving treatment A die. If I say that people receiving B are less likely to die of that particular disease than those who go untreated or those who receive treatment A, is that merely an opinion?

By the strictest definition, probably, but I think anyone would admit that there is a world of difference between opinions based on systematic observation and experimentation and those popped out of thin air.

Please assume that in the hypothetical experiment cited above, normal and sensible controls are in place; I didn't want to bore by elucidating them.
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2026 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News