Shuttle Explosion Email Hoax

Thetechound · 03-26-2006

This has to rank right up there with "We Never Went to the Moon".

http://www.snopes.com/photos/shuttle2.asp

Tormod · 03-26-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thetechound

This has to rank right up there with "We Never Went to the Moon".

http://www.snopes.com/photos/shuttle2.asp

Hardly - noone doubts that Space Shuttle Columbia burnt up. That everyone should understand exactly how it happened is too much to ask.

Does it really matter if people think it happened this way?

Eclogite · 03-26-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tormod

Does it really matter if people think it happened this way?

Yes. On the basis that ignorance of the masses leads to masses of ignorance.

Tormod · 03-26-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eclogite

Yes. On the basis that ignorance of the masses leads to masses of ignorance.

Most people are ignorant about almost everything almost all the time. Why is information about the way Columbia disintegrated something that will help improve society?

Jay-qu · 03-26-2006

yeah i wouldnt say it ranks with the we didnt go to the moon - there is way to many obvious things wrong with those pictures.. The fact that there are pictures makes it wrong..

Tormod · 03-26-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay-qu

The fact that there are pictures makes it wrong..

These aren't exactly what I'd call life-like. They are obviously computer generated.

Anyway, I fail to see how this is a "hoax" of any kind. It is spreading of false information, but it is not denying anything.

Eclogite · 03-26-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tormod

Most people are ignorant about almost everything almost all the time. Why is information about the way Columbia disintegrated something that will help improve society?

Ignorance may be classified in two ways:
1) Ignorance of facts.
2) Ignorance of process.

Ignorance of known facts can be addressed through education and study; unknown facts through investigation and research. Such ignorance is not of itself generally an issue. One could argue that it is the recognition of such ignorance and the consequent efforts to remove it that form the foundation of our society.

Ignorance of process is another matter. This ignorance leads to superstition, prejudice, myopia, and a host of isms. Ignorance of process undermines civilisation.

The ignorance in the case of the Columbia is one of process, not of facts. It is a failure to understand how things (science, politics, the world) work. Removal of such ignorance will always improve society.

Stargazer · 03-27-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tormod

These aren't exactly what I'd call life-like. They are obviously computer generated.

Anyway, I fail to see how this is a "hoax" of any kind. It is spreading of false information, but it is not denying anything.

It's denying a whole chunk of reality, if that counts. Also, I think it's important that people are not being lied to. Ignorance and beliefs in that which is not true can't lead to anything good. This is a relatively small example compared to the widespread superstitious and religious beliefs, and the beliefs in astrology and other kinds of pseudoscience, but the fact is that the people is being intentionally misled once again. It's not fair play considering how many know very little about so much, and so are vulnerable to this. But I do agree it's one small hoax, compared to some others.