Physics Week Eight: Classical Physics

Descartes really does have a lot to answer for! Its understandable that, in a time that was resisting the politically potent superstition of the Church, many scientists would develop a paradigm that drastically removed any hint of mysticism from their research methods. However, the idea our beautiful bodies (and fellow creatures) are simply mechanical devices goes too far in the opposite direction. Neither view point has the balance or nuance necessary to adequately explain the world around us. I think the concept of objectivity is such a fallacy and the last few centuries have produced copious amounts of biased research that deem themselves objective and empirical and infallible cuz "Hey! We Tested it! We Have Proof!" However, unexamined biases have "proven" all sorts of sexist, racist, imperialist, and speciesist nonsense. Now we must battle against the hegemony of Cartesian "reason" and deconstruct deeply held notions regarding the mechanical world of clock humans and dumb, soulless beasts. Thanks a lot Descartes!