Rival Theories: the Idea That Newtonian Gravitation Might Be Incorrect

question 90

Essay

Rival Theories: The idea that Newtonian gravitation might be incorrect was only taken seriously by the scientific community when a powerful rival theory, Einstein's Theory of General Relativity, became available in the early part of the 20th century. Consider the role of rival theories with regard to the pseudoscience of astrology. Astrology purports to "explain" human behavior by celestial influences, such as the position of the Sun and stars in the sky. Consider the social science of psychology. Is it more or less successful in explaining human behavior? Give specific examples if you can. Does your answer play any role in regarding astrology as a pseudoscience?

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Definitions:

Straight-Line Depreciation

A procedure for breaking down the cost of a tangible asset over its period of operation in equal annual installments.

Mutually Exclusive

Situations or events that cannot occur at the same time, requiring a choice to be made.

Straight-Line Depreciation

A template for apportioning the cost of a solid asset throughout its active life in equal yearly parts.

Payback Period

The duration it takes for an investment to return its original cost to the investor.