Science Is Wrong? On The Under-Determination Of Fact – Samurai Strength Ep. 12
Does the sun revolve around the earth? No. Why did people believe such a crazy notion? Were they stupid? Of course not.
The trouble with science is that it just doesn’t give us the level of certainty we humans seem to obsessively (and desperately) want. But don’t let that cause you to despair. Quite frankly, I find this lack of certainty in science quite liberating.
Without hard and fast rules, we are given de facto permission to relax about the details of health, fitness, and exercise.
I decided to do this largely because I got a number of unsubscribes from my email list in the last few days from some folk who are “just fed up” with my not supporting their particular thing – really, some of them were MAD.
Mostly it was in response to my 21-day squat routine, my discussion of Bulgarian training on Weightlifting Academy, my calorie deficit argument (the article it’s in response to), and recent podcasts on Intermittent Fasting, as well as my write up of my own experience with it. You know … hot-button issues
What’s funny is that I have many other readers and friends (shout-out to Steve!) who I have great fun arguing with, who – like me – find it fun to debate … but don’t take themselves so seriously that they flip out every time someone doesn’t agree with them. This stuff is supposed to be fun 
I also find it odd that these folk stayed on my email list as long as they did. Not sure what’s up with that.
Here’s my mini-rant about the notion in the Philosophy of Science called “the under-determination of fact” and how I feel that it’s massively important to all of our discussions – if for no other reason, because it will keep the discussions civil.
For more on the Philosophy of Science, I suggest starting with Karl Popper. He’s my diggity dog.
It’s interesting to note that not everyone in the ancient world thaught that the earth was the center of the universe. It’s very eurocentric to think this.
http://www.universe-galaxies-stars.com/Heliocentrism.html
Great point! The Judeo-Christian history of the West brought with it a bunch of unique biases in that regard. Most cultures have their biases … but them’s was ours
What’s mind-blowing to me is that I sometimes see the ridiculous (and rude) comments that people make about the things that you are saying. Yet, there actually is a decent amount of science backing what you say (as opposed to the arguments that people make against you). Also, I think that a lot of people don’t realize that your co-host, Dr. Mike Hartman, has a PhD and is an exercise scientist, and he agrees with the things that you are saying. As someone who is currently pursuing their PhD in Exercise Physiology, based on what I have learned I agree more with what you have to say than the vast majority of people out there. With all of the terrible info out there on the internet that most people will end up following, the “unsubscribers” from your site are really going to be missing out on one of the few decent resources for non-scientists (and scientists who need a break from reading/conducting research!). I often have people tell me that my training methods (which are very aligned with yours) are wrong, which is odd, because I PR every single month and have eliminated all pain from my body. I wonder if the doubters are on programs that are giving them the same benefit? Sorry to rant, but it bothers me to constantly see people throwing “facts” at you (and in a rude manner) that really have no merit. I hope that you keep doing what you’re doing and don’t get discouraged!
Thanks my brother!!
Don’t worry, I don’t get discouraged easily
Only motivated!
On the science front, you’re in luck. Next weeks interview on Weightlifting Academy is with Bret Contreras and we go into a BUNCH of the current debates in Exercise Science (some of which he’s also been blasted for … and he defends himself rather well.)
Also, Matt Perryman is coming out with a book in Bulgarian-influenced methods that he’s sent me an early rough-draft copy of. So far it’s just fantastic. You’ll love it, for sure. Really delves into the science behind why this stuff works so well – despite it being totally counter-intuitive.
For me, I just love the science and the experimentation and testing to see if shit works or not. It’s amazing how people will flip out over something as silly as a diet or a workout program … especially if they haven’t even tried it! LOL
Sounds good – I’m looking forward to it! Are you thinking about trying to get Broz on WLing Academy?
I’d love to. But given the current situation, it may be a while until the shit-storm has diet down.
Yes – bad timing for that question… I still love them, though, and would love to hear from him when he’s ready to talk. Until then, please keep up the good work!
I’m smart enough to know that I don’t know anything. But that is sometimes a scary thought.
LOL, no doubt!
I cannot tell you how completely I agree with your statements in this video! I wrote an essay some time ago about how uncertain science is. Especially so with physics, which for most of its history was referred to as ‘natural philosophy’, because most students thereof knew how uncertain they were of their subject. Even today, every aspect of science, especially physics, is under constant review, because at any time a new theory could completely undermine the foundation of knowledge, and expose previous “truths” to be in fact false.
Thank you for all of your instruction, not just about weightlifting, but about living. The invitation to disagree is most reasonable, and it makes me proud to refer to you as my “coach”. I look forward to learning more.
Josh F.
Thanks Josh!! I’m glad you dug it, man.
I love this kind of stuff, honestly. The philosophy of science is one of my favorite fields.
Until we all embrace the evolution of evidence, we will have zealots and their cults. Frankly, I like my own ideas on training, but love the freedom to beg, borrow and steal ideas from guys like you. I couldn’t do that if I thought my ideas were irrefutable. All it takes is an active mind. Great post Nick!
Thanks Eric! The only appropriate response to your comment is, “Tru Dat”
Mathematics is a more factual and exact science than the other sciences and health and nutrition is a lot more subjective and open to opinion. The fact that every human is unique makes it more difficult to predict the consequences of a particular fitness routine.. That’s why you have to make guesses and learn through trial and error.
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