Quarks vs Santa
The Santa Theory versus the Quarks Theory
Millions of children all over the world behave as if Santa Clause exists. However parents know that he does not exist in the physical sense.
Children observe the events of Christmas: mysteriously being given presents, and deduce that Santa exists. They do not have the scope of perception to be able to deduce that Santa does not exist.
In some sense, Santa Clause does exist. Children observe the events that happen around them at Christmas and name the cause "Santa". In this sense Santa does exist. However, the theories as to the nature of "Santa" are incorrect and therefore he does not exist.
Many things in the world behave Quantum Mechanically as if Quarks exist. Evidence can be seen to the effect that there are three objects inside a proton and these things are named quarks. In this sense they exist. However, Quarks may turn out to have a different nature than the one we suppose. In that sense quarks might not exist.
Occam's Razor
"Occam's razor is the principle that an explanation which requires fewer auxiliary hypotheses is more likely to be correct than one which requires more." http://www.connix.com/~dennis/dennis/aaa.htm" >http://www.connix.com/~dennis/dennis/aaa.htm
The Quarks theory stands up better to the razor than does the Santa theory because the Quark Theory makes fewer assumptions than does the Santa theory.
The Santa theory supposes that this single man can travel the world delivering presents individually to each household. In order to do this he needs a magic sleigh, and reindeer and he needs to be able to travel close to the speed of light. When parts of the theory are refuted, the theory supposes more and more sub-reasoning in order to get around the opposing evidence. This is a strong indication that the theory is not true.
The Quarks theory makes less assumptions, however it does make just enough to be called into doubt. The Quarks theory is more likely to be true, but is not infallable to falsification. In that sense it is only *most likely to be true* not conclusively true.
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Denbe D'Justice
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