Even if someone HAD postulated that there existed a distance so great that the sun would look like a point, and that our stars might be suns to them, they wouldn’t be “right” in any useful sense of the word. There are zero predictions nor behavior changes to make based on that hypothesis.
On the one hand, I agree that beliefs should guide our expectations and in general should be required to “pay rent” as in the post you reference. On the other hand, truth is truth, regardless of whether it can be perceived as such. I am reminded of https://www.readthesequences.com/Belief-In-The-Implied-Invisible , though as written it doesn’t directly apply.
I don’t like the outcome of “this is too far beyond our current capabilities so it is irrational to think about”. Is there a place in rational thought for considering ideas that cannot presently be tested, but may point the way for future explorers who are better equipped?
Perhaps you’ve got the best conclusion given the constraints:
the big problem isn’t finding more ideas, but in deciding which ones are worth giving up immediate resources to pursue sooner
Though I find that ever so slightly depressing to consider.
On the one hand, I agree that beliefs should guide our expectations and in general should be required to “pay rent” as in the post you reference. On the other hand, truth is truth, regardless of whether it can be perceived as such. I am reminded of https://www.readthesequences.com/Belief-In-The-Implied-Invisible , though as written it doesn’t directly apply.
I don’t like the outcome of “this is too far beyond our current capabilities so it is irrational to think about”. Is there a place in rational thought for considering ideas that cannot presently be tested, but may point the way for future explorers who are better equipped?
Perhaps you’ve got the best conclusion given the constraints:
Though I find that ever so slightly depressing to consider.