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- - 2012 (https://www.musicbanter.com/current-events-philosophy-religion/35772-2012.html)

Obviously. I don't even understand why you're bringing this up though, other than to the point out the obvious.

Quote:

Originally Posted by toretorden (Post 614924)

Actually, gravitation as explained scientifically is also a theory, the theory of gravity. You're basically right in your terminology, a scientific theory describes a phenomena (like gravity or evolution) and is backed up empirically, typically by several scientific publications proving various hypotheses that fall under that theory.

Hypotheses are what scientists often work with, for example I have a hypothesis that a species of mite can be carried with wind. I can set up an experiment and test that hypothesis against an opposing hypothesis saying that species of mites can not be carried with wind. Evidence for one is automatically evidence against the other.

By setting up experiments and collecting statistical data, I can prove by a 95% confidence interval that yes, the mite can be transported by wind or - that it can't. Much of established science is backed up by such testing and the 95% confidence interval is usually the lowest level of significance accepted in the scientific community. In other words, the probability of your claim being true should at least be 95%.

Theories do change over time as they accumulate knowledge. For example we can learn something new about gravitation and that can become part of the theory. Some old parts of it might be proven wrong etc.

Don't worry, I paid a little attention in 7th grade Science.

^Sorry Surell, I didn't mean to post a lecture aimed at you specifically. It was meant for everyone, but it was a bit much. Often, I feel people are so ready to attack science without knowing anything about how scientific results are produced. That wasn't going on here, but it makes me a bit "rambly" in general .. :(

Something will happen in 2012, an astronomical event is in store for us, it doesn't take a genius to believe these events come in cycles. Just like the sun setting and rising everyday. The mayan calendar is real stuff, it's not if it's going to happen, it's what will the outcome be when it does happen?

what people fail to understand is that the last cycle on the calendar ( the 5th one which is the one that is going to end in 2012) is irrelavent to what is going to happen. In 2012, we will enter a new cycle, the calendar will reset and it will start over. Regardless if they just randomly stopped the calendar there or not, we are moving into a new cycle.

they apparently understood something happened after every cycle other wise they wouldn't have documented and put 5 cycles on the calendar.

^Well, you only have to go to wikipedia and look up "2012" to see what's in store for us astronomically. At least there doesn't seem to be any major catastrophes going on.

If they really can reliably predict an astronomical even from such a long ways back, it should mean that it's not a random event and has to be something that happens on a regular cycle like a comet or visible planets appearing in the night sky. In other words, nothing to worry about. It's not like humanity has been wiped out by regular occuring astronomical events so far.

There's not only the astronomical aspect of it. There is also the idea of the evolution of human conciousness achieving something of a critical mass. Many believe we will sublimate from our bodies similar to the "rapture" of the book of revelations. There's also the theory of progressive time acceleration (which I don't profess to understand) that's been occuring since the advent of the universe. I didn't read through this whole thread so forgive me if I'm restating some things.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SATCHMO (Post 616733)

yeah, i heard about that as well. I have done a ton of research on this and it is kind of weird really what could happen. The mayans were so smart, if we interpreted that calendar right, then it is kind of scary what could happen. I don't think it will be an evolution of any sort, but you never know. Maybe it will be a huge solar eclipse or something.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SATCHMO (Post 616733)

I don't think they would be able to predict something like that by any other means than religion, so then it makes them no more credible than the large number of crazies who have predicted various apocalypses earlier .. well, in my opinion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by toretorden (Post 616739)

Yes but this is the only "prophecy" that has been predicted by multiple religions.The Hindu have the concept of the Yuga which is the million year or so cycle of inhalation/exhalation of Shiva the Hindu god of creation and destruction. If I'm not mistaken It correlates with the Mayan calendar. Bonus poits if you find connections with the New Testament Book of Revalations, although that's definitely the biggest case of "boy who Cried Wolf" the world's ever seen.

we don't really want godot to show up