View Single Post
  #14   Report Post  
Old April 6th 04, 04:02 PM
Dave Shrader
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Robert Spooner wrote:
Wasn't it James Thurber who said, "When someone says 'theoretically,' he
means 'not actually.'"?

73
Bob AD3K


When I use 'theory' or 'theoretically', I'm using it in the engineering
context of Physics and Mathematics. Meaning the mathematical solution
of the LAWs of Physics are applicable.

There are other understandings of theory: such as the district
attorney's theory behind a crime; or, in science terms the next step
beyond 'hypothesis'; or, the step below 'law of nature'.

The theory is understanding 'WHY' things are actually, to quote your
word above. Knowledge, in engineering and science, is incomplete without
the THEORY of operation or Physics.

So, I reject your hypothesis regarding Thurber's statement. It is
inconsistent with science/engineering/physics.