Hard Problem of Scientific Evidence

The problem of underdetermination: For any given body of scientific evidence, there are always multiple, logically possible theories that can explain it equally well. Data alone cannot force us to choose one theory over another; extra-scientific criteria like simplicity, elegance, or compatibility with other established theories (paradigm loyalty) must be used. The hard problem is that these criteria are aesthetic and pragmatic, not purely empirical. Thus, the move from evidence to theory is never a strict logical deduction, but a creative, sometimes subjective, leap.

Example: Centuries of astronomical evidence (planetary motions) could be explained perfectly by either Ptolemy's complex earth-centered model (with epicycles) or Copernicus's simpler sun-centered model. The evidence alone didn't decide. The choice was made based on the principle of parsimony (simplicity), which is a philosophical preference, not a law of nature. Today, the weird results of quantum experiments are explained by both the Copenhagen interpretation and the Many-Worlds interpretation. The evidence fits both; our choice is a matter of metaphysical taste, not evidential compulsion. Hard Problem of Scientific Evidence.

by Enkigal January 24, 2026

Hard Problem of Cognitive Sciences

The meta-problem of self-reference: Cognitive sciences (psychology, neuroscience, linguistics) use the human mind to study the human mind. This creates a loop where the instrument of investigation is the same as the object under investigation. The hard problem is that any model the mind produces about itself is necessarily incomplete and shaped by the very cognitive biases, limitations, and structures it's trying to map. It's like a camera trying to take a perfect picture of its own lens—the act of observation changes and is constrained by the apparatus. We can never get a "view from outside" of cognition.

Example: A neuroscientist uses an fMRI machine (designed and operated by human brains) to study which brain regions activate during decision-making. The conclusions of the study are then processed, understood, and believed by other human brains. The hard problem: The entire epistemic chain is made of "brain stuff." If human cognition is systematically flawed in some way, that flaw would be baked into the scientific methods, instruments, and interpretations, making it invisible to us. We are using a potentially faulty compiler to debug its own source code. Hard Problem of Cognitive Sciences.

by Enkigal January 24, 2026

The Great Masters of Pubic Science

The company of The Great Masters of Pubic Science were founded by the two top managers, Freda Mason & Georgia Sofokleous. They're main work is to do anything that has stuff to do with pubescity and ask people about how hairy their "garden" is in their "magic kingdom" and also give awards to guys with the sexiest titties (who is now fired for a very important reason) and girls with the most penis-looking vaginas. Thanks to The Great Masters of Pubic Science, there are now special shampoos and conditioners specially made to keep your pubic hair healthy, damage-free and nice smelling, so your partner doesn't complain about your pubic hair smelling like your breath (in other words, like SHIT!). You can find our shampoos and conditioners anywhere in drugstores where they sell cocaine, roofies and flavored condoms. We hope you enjoy using our pubic cleaning products. Oh, and if you have the hairiest "garden" or the biggest guy nipples contact us. I'm not telling you how, just find a way. : Thank you.

Yesterday: I'VE JUST BEEN AWARDED THE KING OF SEXY TITTIES BY THE GREAT MASTERS OF PUBIC SCIENCE! :D
Today: Wtf?! I just got fired coz I showed my sexy titties to one of the managers and not the rest of the horny company. D:

by TheGreatMasterofPubicScience May 2, 2011

for those who don't speak fluent science

a figure of speech or to simplify something confusing in science

"anyways for those who don't speak fluent science what i'm saying is they originally used snail snot(mucus) to make the color purple"

by Bacon Milk April 1, 2022

for those who don't speak fluent science

to simplify something confusing for yall who don't pay attention in science (seriously pay attention!!)

the teacher looked at the class and said "anyways for those who don't speak fluent science they originally used snail snot/slime to make the color purple"

by Bacon Milk April 7, 2022

Brett Del Buono as Manhattan Project Scientist

Brett Del Buono, from 'Let Me In' to 'Oppenheimer,' as a Concerned Scientist; his face looks like he's mad, but his acting is fire.

Example of how it's used in a sentence:

Person 1: Who's that concerned-looking scientist in Oppenheimer?

Person 2: Brett Del Buono as Manhattan Project Scientist! From vampires to atoms, he's got range.

by courtofowls September 4, 2023

Theory of the Dispute of Scientific Paradigms

The study of the often messy, protracted, and illogical battles that occur when two competing scientific paradigms vie for dominance within a field. According to Kuhn, these disputes cannot be settled by mere evidence alone, because the paradigms define what counts as evidence and what constitutes a good argument. The fight is as much about persuasion, authority, generational change, and control of institutions as it is about data.

Theory of the Dispute of Scientific Paradigms Example: The decades-long war between Plate Tectonics and the older Geosynclinal Theory in geology was a brutal Dispute of Scientific Paradigms. Established geologists invested in the old model mocked continental drift as fantasy, while young Turks amassed magnetic striping data. The shift only happened when the old guard retired and textbooks were rewritten.

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 4, 2026