StringJunky

Then you believe you are some distinct life-force of an ethereal nature, somehow inextricably entwined in the molecular structure that makes up you. That's ok, as a personal belief, but you'll have a very difficult time supporting it in proper physical, biochemical or biological terms. Philosophy is not exempt from scientific scrutiny, where it is applicable.

Half the solution to a problem is fully understanding the question.

Every organism that becomes extinct, through our activities, is information lost, a potential resource lost, as well as the effect on the interdependence I mentioned. I suppose one could ask: "Do we want to take the risk of finding out if we can, or can't, achieve independence without those other organisms?" On the moral/ethical side of things there is no reason why we can't do as we like, we are not beholden to any higher authority other than our own arbitrary rules..

Yes, it's been fun. It's been a nice change to discuss this sort of subject without metaphysics pervading it all.

In the interests of balance, this is the 2015 statistics for police deaths - All causes: Line of Duty Deaths: 54 9/11 related illness: 2 Accidental: 1 Assault: 1 Automobile accident: 15 Gunfire: 14 Gunfire (Accidental): 2 Heart attack: 11 Motorcycle accident: 1 Struck by vehicle: 3 Vehicle pursuit: 2 Vehicular assault: 2 http://www.odmp.org/search/year

Succinctly put.

What this means then is that, as Eise said earlier, you think you are special and you have a soul.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sod_%28insult%29

Right. Just call me thick.

Why have Modern? What's wrong with Classical and Quantum for the major division? Modern is Quantum isn't it?

I don't think GR actually says space is really curved. It says a particle travels a path as though space was curved. It's all about the relative position of spatial coordinates in the presence and absence of mass. GR is only describing behaviour, AFAIK.

Spyman 2 is another distinct individual, yes; he is a different future path.

Right. Can't you let the two mix?

The reality is though, that that continuity only exists until you fall asleep... after that anything can happen and you'll be none the wiser. In principle, I'd go in the transporter, because I think I know what I am, and it doesn't matter if a perfect clone carries on my life and I never woke up again.

In Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics. If the theoretical science, in the eyes of you experts, is by authentic scientists then it should be in the relevant mainstream sections. The line between 'theoretical' and 'established' is a continuum really anyway. I think, in the face of opposition, you've just got to say "That's not science, and it doesn't belong here". SFN is not a democracy, so sod 'em when they moan!

Not in the way put it. Look at this way: whilst you were asleep you were given a lethal dose of barbiturates. Spyman 2 continues Spyman 1's life. The point being, I'm suggesting, is what constitutes 'you' is just information. Whether you would actually do something or not is not the point.

I just had a look at the forum listing while Timo posted and came to nearly the same conclusion: Atomic and Nuclear Physics.

Yeah, you all likely right. Yes AJB, just call it Modern Physics... might help.

One mustn't let facts get in the way of a good idea. Maybe you could call Speculations Galileo's Corner.

I just thought I'd point it out, as it struck me earlier that it seemed a bit too obviously tempting for forum noobs.

Is it any wonder people put speculative ideas in this forum when it has the word "Theoretical" in its title?

We don't know what we don't know, so, we don't know how important those things are that we don't know. I think one of the secrets of the success of life on Earth is it's diversity, if you imagine it as a single collective organism. We are part of a bigger interdependent system and not a closed system unto ourselves. You are a walking ecosystem yourself, with each part of your body a 'country' to different species of symbiotic micro-organsms that you need to function properly. To preserve our existence, it seems necessary to fully understand the chain of interdependence.

If we negatively impact the planet's natural homeostatic mechanisms then we will have to manually maintain them ourselves... I don't think we are capable of that.

As very much a novice, I can say this is a biggie and probably very important to get across in some understanble way to those not familiar with them.