Re: [asa] geocentricity

Quoting George Murphy <gmurphy@raex.com>:

> Merv -
>
> My choice of coordinates doesn't force anybody else to do anything. You can
> also use any coordinates you choose. & if we each make measurements
> correctly we'll find that our results for distances, times, velocities &
> various other things will differ, but we'll be able to agree on the laws that
> the phenomena obey if those laws have been formulated in accord with the
> relativistic transformation rules.
>
> Using a particular coordinate system doesn't mean that one has to be in any
> particular place or move in a particular way. It's simply a choice of a way
> to describe the world for a particular problem.

Of course – classical relativity (from Galileo) is easily understood and
accepted. My point was that, with regard to celestial mechanics, some choices
are vastly simpler mathematically than others. And I know that ‘simpler’
doesn’t equal ‘proven’, but it does often (and especially in this case)
equal ‘almost certainly closer to reality’. Nobody proves anything except
mathematicians – and then only after accepting postulates. It is evidence and
fruitfulness towards further inquiry that seems to overwhelmingly rule out
geocentricism, unless one relishes the practice with more difficult math.

--Merv

How many students does it take to change a lightbulb?

‘
‘
‘
‘
‘
‘
‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’ One. The student holds the bulb while the
university rotates around him. (Sorry to the scholars – but having been one
myself, well, if the shoe fits, wear it.)

Will be blissfully away from any computer next couple of days bicycling along
Katy trail. I'll catch up after that! --Merv

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Received on Fri Jul 6 16:43:32 2007