Correa Neto appears to make the point (apologies if I misunderstand) that the only way for UFO 'lore' to be explained is exclusively through his version of the scientific method. Speculation appears forbidden in the Correa Neto world.
However, I think he simplifies the point- dangerously so.
...snip...
So, my position is that speculation is an absolute neccessity to science, and to separate the two, like you appear to have insisted on, is short-changing us all.
I think Rramjet is engaging that speculative side of science. I think science needs the Rramjets of the world to keep stretching the way we use science to understand concepts, theories and methodology.
Just because the subject matter seems beyond comprehension does not mean the way we conduct science, and have conducted science, should be abandoned.
"
The great tragedy of Science - the slaying of a beautiful hypothesis by an ugly fact." Thomas H. Huxley
Apologies accepted, for you missed it completely (by the way, please explain what exactly do you think "my version of the scientific method" is).
To sum things up- First, in the case of UFOs, one must demonstrate there may be something beyond comprehension. Then we'll pass to the second level- checking if there actually is something beyond comprehension and how can we understand it (and if we can, but that's another discussion). And here's where enter the speculation about what UFOs may be. Of course, this is what is supposed to happen if you intend to follow the scientific path.
Again: You are free to believe, consider as compelling, etc. in anything you want as long as you keep in mind that this is your individual choice- its good enough for
you. At the moment you try to pass your belief, conclusion, etc. ahead as "scientific", the rules for evidence (and reasoning) quality change.
You may speculate that there is something "unknown" within UFO lore, you may speculate on what it may be, but it doesn't mean there actually is something unknown; it does not even mean there
may actually be something unknown.
Remember my "plausible" sub-light huge generation ship hidden on the other side of the Moon launching stealth probes and scout craft? Is it an advance on the issue? No. Its nothing. Its more plausible than a hidden indigenous civilization, multidimensional aliens or tulpas built over Jungian archetypes, but it will not make UFOs more (or less) real.
Speculations based on good evidence, despite on how bold they might be, do have a place in science, even if they will be dumped in the next second when confronted with more (reliable) data. To date, that's not what Rramjet has shown.
Wild speculations, well, I have my share of doubts about their importance in science. At SF and fantasy, however, they are highly important...
ETA: And I see someone already commented on the differences between speculation and hypothesis... Damn Sumerian gods...
