Reality or Rant? That is the question.

It's time to get back to basics. Our purpose here today is to face reality, but how do we draw the line between what the facts are, and the emotional bias inherent in today's issues?

Hard data, verifiable facts, repeatable results. Sound familiar? It's the scientific method. A method of inquiry must be based on gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. A scientific method consists of the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses. The difference between saying something is so, and being able to prove it, is required. It's an especially difficult task when dealing with human affairs, but not an insurmountable one.

How do we get the facts? By hard work, perseverance, application of our intelligence, and the willingness to experiment. Objectivity. Logic. Many become wedded to their "pet" theories, and thereby contaminate their results. We've seen such public examples in the recent "Climategate" fiasco. The "Not Invented Here" attitude. "Bending" the data to fit the results you would like to see is a waste of every one's time and resources. Those who do such things forever lose credibility. As they should.

Back to our focus today: Reality is acceptance of facts. If you can't show us the math, verifiable results from experimentation, and useful applications of the same, then it's not reality. Just opinion, of which there are approximately as many as there are mouths. Show me the proof. That's what will bring home the bacon. Where's your data?

All of the shouting, protesting, sit-ins, posturing, finger pointing and other emotional carrying on won't change the facts, or the math. A plus B equals C. It's immutable and logical. I know this is a simplistic example, but it's true just the same. Try it for yourself. It's the best way to describe the real world. If you can't show the mathematical basis for your work, and the corroborating data, it's not science, it's opinion.

So, how are we going to apply this to the problems we face as a society?

There are no simple answers here. It's never easy to look for solutions to complex problems, even though it's attractive to many. The reality is, it will take a lot of work. Collecting the data. Experimentation. Forming hypotheses. Testing them. Trying again. If it were easy, we would have already done it. It's not easy or simple.

Time to ClearOurBrainZ !

How, you say? By leaving our egos and emotions out of the picture. Sure, empathy and concern will drive our efforts. But we must be willing to face the reality of the facts, and the results of our application of the scientific method. We might not like what we find, but it won't change the reality of it.

I hope we will have the courage to face it.

Your comments, please.