I need some help - long lasting research

[driewerf]

Dear friends ,
i need some help.
For a discussion on another forum I need as much examples as possible of scientific questions that lasted very long. It doesn't matter how obscure.
Two examples of what I mean:
It took 250 years before the Theorem of Fermat was proven.

Only 300 years after the publication of Copernicus' De revolutionibus was the stellar parallax first observed by Friedrich Bessel.

If you know any example of such long lasting questions, please post them here.

 

[AV1611VET]

If you know any example of such long lasting questions, please post them here.

Aristotle stunted the growth of science for almost 2000 years.

 

[paul becke]

Hasn't it taken since at least the putative Enlightenment for the anthropocentricity of our universe to be proved ? Not just the impossible odds against its having been created by concatenations of random chance and unintelligent design, by the discoveries of the requirement for one hundred and fifty-four and counting very precise calibrations of different parameters for the creation and survival of the universe and of man, not to speak of its intelligibility by man.

Not only has man been discovered to be the centre of the universe in the spiritual/Christian sense, but it has now physics has asured us that the Observer is indeed the physical centre of the universe !

Here, Philip Cunningham, aka bornagain77, fascinatingly broaches the subject :

'Yet contrary to what is popularly believed by many people today, of the earth being nothing but a insignificant speck of dust lost in a vast ocean of space, there is actually a strong case to be made for the earth being central in the universe once again.

The Galileo Affair and Life/Consciousness as the true "Center of the Universe"
The Galileo Affair and “Life/Consciousness” as the true "Center of the Universe"

In what I consider an absolutely fascinating discovery, 4-dimensional (4D) space-time was created in the Big Bang and continues to 'expand equally in all places':
Where is the centre of the universe?:
Excerpt: There is no centre of the universe! According to the standard theories of cosmology, the universe started with a "Big Bang" about 14 thousand million years ago and has been expanding ever since. Yet there is no centre to the expansion; it is the same everywhere. The Big Bang should not be visualized as an ordinary explosion. The universe is not expanding out from a centre into space; rather, the whole universe is expanding and it is doing so equally at all places, as far as we can tell.
Where is the centre of the universe? Thus from a 3-dimensional (3D) perspective, any particular 3D spot in the universe is to be considered just as 'center of the universe' as any other particular spot in the universe is to be considered 'center of the universe'. This centrality found for any 3D place in the universe is because the universe is a 4D expanding hypersphere, analogous in 3D to the surface of an expanding balloon. All points on the surface are moving away from each other, and every point is central, if that’s where you live.

Centrality of Earth Within The 4-Dimensional Space-Time of General Relativity - video
8421879 Video is temporarily not available
The above excerpt was taken from Philip's website, Let there Be Light:

Let There Be Light: Let There Be Light

 

[Maddox]

"Contrary to the heliocentric discoveries of Copernicus and Galileo, the discovery of 4D space-time by Einstein, as well as the fact the Cosmic Background Radiation left over from the Big Bang forms a perfect sphere around the earth, gives us clear evidence that any particular material spot in the universe may now be considered just as central as any other particular material spot in the universe can be.

In fact, coupling the "observer dependent" wave collapse of quantum mechanics, with the cosmological anthropic principle of extremely finely tuned universal constants, which allow life to be possible in this universe, as well as coupling this with the "privileged planet" principle for a extremely unique life supporting earth,,, all coupled with this stunning "centrality" we are finding from 4D space-time cosmology, gives us significant weight for the assertion that the universe is, in fact, found to be "centered" on the life within it. Thus modern discoveries have completely undermined the entire mediocrity argument of the earth, and of humans, that was brought about by the discoveries of a "sun-centered" solar system by Galileo and Copernicus. This clearly gives very strong support of plausibility to one of the primary Theistic assertions that humans have some "central" purpose for why the universe was "created" in the first place."

That frankly sounds like Science for extra dummies now with 3D and 4D images got one drink of history too many while eating the Bible and Glossary of Physics then puked everything out.

 

[SkyWriting]

That frankly sounds like Science for extra dummies now with 3D and 4D images got one drink of history too many while eating the Bible and Glossary of Physics then puked everything out.

Funny show!

DrunkHistory

 

[paul becke]

"Contrary to the heliocentric discoveries of Copernicus and Galileo, the discovery of 4D space-time by Einstein, as well as the fact the Cosmic Background Radiation left over from the Big Bang forms a perfect sphere around the earth, gives us clear evidence that any particular material spot in the universe may now be considered just as central as any other particular material spot in the universe can be.

In fact, coupling the "observer dependent" wave collapse of quantum mechanics, with the cosmological anthropic principle of extremely finely tuned universal constants, which allow life to be possible in this universe, as well as coupling this with the "privileged planet" principle for a extremely unique life supporting earth,,, all coupled with this stunning "centrality" we are finding from 4D space-time cosmology, gives us significant weight for the assertion that the universe is, in fact, found to be "centered" on the life within it. Thus modern discoveries have completely undermined the entire mediocrity argument of the earth, and of humans, that was brought about by the discoveries of a "sun-centered" solar system by Galileo and Copernicus. This clearly gives very strong support of plausibility to one of the primary Theistic assertions that humans have some "central" purpose for why the universe was "created" in the first place."

That frankly sounds like Science for extra dummies now with 3D and 4D images got one drink of history too many while eating the Bible and Glossary of Physics then puked everything out.

I feel duly chastened. Very severely. I always find atheists' posts most informative and humbling.

 

[Maddox]

Yes, it appears bit humbling is probably in order and good for the soul. I always find it bit amusing this human need to be in center of creation then coming up with dubious theories and viewpoints to support it.

As Catholic you should be concerned for this comes perilously close to a mortal sin of pride. Mightier things have fallen from higher positions for succumbing to it than humans.

 

[FrumiousBandersnatch]

An example of a (relatively) long gap between a prediction and its realization was the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2013, evidence of a mechanism proposed in 1962 and fully modelled in 1964 by several groups, one of which included Peter Higgs. A gap of about 50 years.

 

[AV1611VET]

A gap of about 50 years.

Phuh ... the Bible beats that in spades.

1 Kings 13:2 And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee.

Adam Clarke's Commentary says it best:

This is one of the most remarkable and most singular prophecies in the Old Testament. It here most circumstantially foretells a fact which took place three hundred and forty years after the prediction; a fact which was attested by the two nations. The Jews, in whose behalf this prophecy was delivered, would guard it most sacredly; and it was the interest of the Israelites, against whom it was levelled, to impugn its authenticity and expose its falsehood, had this been possible. This prediction not only showed the knowledge of God, but his power. He gave, as it were, this warning to idolatry, that it might be on its guard, and defend itself against this Josiah whenever a person of that name should be found sitting on the throne of David; and no doubt it was on the alert, and took all prudent measures for its own defence; but all in vain, for Josiah, in the eighteenth year of his reign, literally accomplished this prophecy, as we may read, 2 Kings 23:15-20.

 

[sfs]

Phuh ... the Bible beats that in spades.

This is badly off topic. Show some manners, please.

 

[AV1611VET]

This is badly off topic. Show some manners, please.

Sorry.

 

[driewerf]

An example of a (relatively) long gap between a prediction and its realization was the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2013, evidence of a mechanism proposed in 1962 and fully modelled in 1964 by several groups, one of which included Peter Higgs. A gap of about 50 years.

Thank you Frumious.

 

[FrumiousBandersnatch]

Thank you Frumious.

You're welcome. There are many examples, such as:

Hero of Alexandria is thought to have invented the idea of a rotary steam engine in the 1st century AD, which wasn't made practical for over 1,500 years...

In 1847, Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis recommended hand-washing and general cleanliness in a Vienna maternity hospital to reduce the number of post-natal maternal deaths. He was eventually sacked, and his suggestions didn't become accepted practice until around 100 years later.

Leonardo da Vinci invented the concepts of parachutes, helicopters, and tanks about 500 years before they became practical.

John Michell and Pierre-Simon Laplace proposed massive objects with escape velocities greater than the speed of light in the 18th century. The first observation of a black hole was confirmed two centuries later.

Alfred Wegener proposed continental drift in 1912. He was vindicated in the late 1950's.

Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine, a mechanical programmable computer, complete with printer, in the early 19th century - over 100 years before programmable computers became practical.

 

[Subduction Zone]

For a more current one, Einstein's last prediction for his General Theory of Relativity was finally confirmed early this year, one hundred years after the fact:

Einstein’s last theory confirmed: A guide to gravitational waves

 

[Gene2memE]

Fritz Zwicky made the initial observations of dark matter in 1933, but it wasn't really accepted until a series of observations in the early to mid 1970s. We still don't understand what dark matter is, but we're working on the problem. So, at a minimum, about 40 years, at a maximum about 80 years.

Also, there's no quantum theory of gravity yet. Quantum mechanics have been around since the late 1890s, but we still can't work out gravity at very small scales yet. Call it a 120 year unresolved problem.

Also, we can't harmonise general relativity and quantum mechanics. A 115 year problem.

 

[Strathos]

Fermat's theorem is mathematics, not science.

 

[paul becke]

Fermat's theorem is mathematics, not science.

Mathematics is central to science, particularly physics ; a mystery commented on, as such, by one of the great physicists, whose name escapes me. I think it was Lord Kelvin who remarked that physics was the only science - the other fields were just stamp-collecting. I should think that would have changed, with the elaboration of quantum mechanics.

 

[paul becke]

'I always find it bit amusing this human need to be in center of creation then coming up with dubious theories and viewpoints to support it.'

I wish I could find the rejection by theoretically highly-educated intelligent people of the overwhelming scientific evidence for the theistic basis of the universe, amusing. Not to mention the risible conjecture of Evolution, which has just suffered yet another 'killer blow' - as if it were needed. Too many highly-paid jobs in Academia depend on it - funded by the large multinationals, whose billionaire principals detest the very notion of their corporations' activities being subjected to any kind of moral constraints. Think TTIP ! Anyway, as Max Planck remarked, 'Science advances one funeral at a time'. It takes a new generation to accept new truths.

Quantum mechanics really knocked 'atheism on the head', showing the Meccano/Lego physics of the day-to-day world at the the human level to be laughably primitive for studying matter at the quantum level. In fact, atheist-materialist, a priori, would never have discovered quantum mechanics, since there is no room for paradoxes in their world-view ; which is why they designate them as counter-intuitive', instead of 'repugnant to reason'. Successful QM identifies them and uses them as springboards to further rational investigative forays.

You might find these brilliant articles interesting - or not, as the case may be :

HeKS is on a Roll | Uncommon Descent

Science Depend On Supernatural | Uncommon Descent

Science IS Intelligent Design | Uncommon Descent

The Ubiquitous Miracles Of Our Existence | Uncommon Descent

 

[Speedwell]

You might find these brilliant articles interesting - or not, as the case may be :

HeKS is on a Roll | Uncommon Descent

Science Depend On Supernatural | Uncommon Descent

Science IS Intelligent Design | Uncommon Descent

The Ubiquitous Miracles Of Our Existence | Uncommon Descent

I find them to be successful attacks on a straw man. Congratulations on your stunning victory.

 

[accelerator]

Science tells us that everything is ENERGY.. but is not able to explain what Energy is.. REALLY.

It also cannot explain what conscious is.. because when we cut open a human brain we cannot detect it.. and it doesn't seem to exist in any material sense..
===========================================

"We do not belong to this material world that science constructs for us. We are not in it; we are outside. We are only spectators. I am very astonished that the scientific picture of the real world around me is deficient. It gives a lot of factual information, puts all our experience in a magnificently consistent order, but it is ghastly silent about all and sundry that is really near to our heart, that really matters to us. Science cannot tell us a word about why music delights us, of why and how an old song can move us to tears. It cannot tell us a word about red and blue, bitter and sweet, physical pain and physical delight; it knows nothing of beautiful and ugly, good or bad, God and eternity. Science sometimes pretends to answer questions in these domains, but the answers are very often so silly that we are not inclined to take them seriously. In particular, and most importantly, this is the reason why the scientific worldview contains of itself no ethical values, no esthetical values, not a word about our own ultimate scope or destination, and no God, if you please. "

Science is reticent too when it is a question of the great Unity – the One of Parmenides – of which we all somehow form part, to which we belong. The most popular name for it in our time is God – with a capital ‘G’.

Whence come I and whither go I? That is the great unfathomable question, the same for every one of us. Science has no answer to it.”

. "I do not meet with God in space and time", so says the honest scientific thinker, and for that reason he is reproached by those in whose catechism it is nevertheless stated: "God is a Spirit." ― Erwin Schrödinger