Writer's block

Every day, Livejournal asks a "Writer's Block" question. It's essentially a question of the day to give people something to write on if they can't come up with anything else.

Today's question was, "Do you believe everything has a scientific explanation?"

I knew better than to read the responses....

But I did anyway.

First, let me add my own response:

It depends on how you define "everything". Science is a methodology for explaining our universe. Thus, if it's in our universe, science can address it. It doesn't mean the answer will always be right on the first go, or that we'll be able to come up with one immediately, but it does mean that there is a scientific explanation out there.

The trouble comes when one starts positing things "outside" our universe. Whatever that means. In that case, science can't really have an answer, but then again, it's a rather silly assumption to make that there are such things.

So as it stands, with our knowledge only being such that we know of things in our universe, the best answer is, yes, everything has a scientific explanation even if we haven't found it yet.

But on to how other people answered:

No. What would be the fun in that? I need mystery.

Translation: Reality should be subject to my desires.

Nature is beautiful-admire it, don't question it.

Anyone or anything that says "don't question" just scares me.

No....That's not going to prevent us from trying, though, and as long as the government is paying we'll be there.

Yes. Science is just a conspiracy to make money from the government....

[Long poem by San Juan de la Cruz ending with the following]
And if you wish to hear:
the highest science leads
to an ecstatic feeling
of the most holy Being;
and from His mercy come His deed:
to let us stay unknowing,
rising beyond all science.

Oh good. A poem to willful ignorance.

No....

What does it matter that the string theory has been published? That information does not help me live my life. Frankly, I could care less.

Translation: "I'm self absorbed and if it doesn't help me directly, then it's no good."

Anyone want to take a guess as to whether this girl was in her teens or not?

Nope. The Impossible happens everyday.

Which makes it, by definition, possible.

Not at all.

Theres too much evidence that paranormal activity exists.

If there's "evidence", that means it can be tested, which would give mean science could address it. I think you're mistaking "personal incredulity" for evidence. Don't worry. You're not the only one.

In general, these were the representative answers for those that answered negatively. The other one was, "Science can't explain X so no." "Love" was the #1 thing science apparently can't explain (I think Savage Garden best answers that). There were many "I believe in God so I can't believe in science" answers, but they were so common (and sadly expected) I didn't bother to quote them either.

Fortunately, there were also several good answers. I think my favorite was this:

Science has all the answers, we just do not have all the science.