Aristotle

I've been reading some of Aristotle's astronomy, particularly the
geocentric stuff.

I am amazed at how readable it is and how reasonable. He got it quite
wrong of course, but by reaoning from the known data and state of
knowledge, provided reasons for all the basic assumptions and thereby
provided a sound basis for scientific progress and method.

Unfortunately the yahoos got hold of it and turned it into unthinking
dogma for 1500 years and any and all reasoned objections, based on
growing data and better understanding, were ruthlessly and
relentlessly squashed. Cries of "Utter rubbish and blinkered views"
spring to mind as the flames mounted round the stakes.

Many of the views opposing Aristotle were utter rubbish - but trying
to refute them with dogma rather than reason led to a complete
cessation of Western scientific progress for a millennium and a half.
Even Newton had to work in secrecy in fear for his life.

/RANT

Cheers

Martin

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Martin Frey
N 51 02 E 0 47
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"Robert Geake" wrote in message ...

Hello Martin

I saw every one had ignored your rant and I thought I would reply to save
your little thread from being cold and lonely any longer.

No sight of an intelligent reply here im afraid...

Hmmmm, Hammburgerrrrr..

R

I was terrified he was just looking for trouble.
So I passed by on the other side.

Chris.B

"Robert Geake" wrote in message ...

Hello Martin

I saw every one had ignored your rant and I thought I would reply to save
your little thread from being cold and lonely any longer.

No sight of an intelligent reply here im afraid...

Hmmmm, Hammburgerrrrr..

R

I was terrified he was just looking for trouble.
So I passed by on the other side.

Chris.B