This is the Science, Math, and Philosophy Forum. Two of these three subjects are fairly well defined and it should be easy for posters to restrict posts and discussion to the relevant subjects circumscribed by the prescribed definitions for each (see links below for reference and information). Philosophy is another matter. Any definition given would be contentious. For purposes here a narrow interpretation will be applied but tolerance will be the guide to allow for as much free expression as possible. Gray areas will naturally arise and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Some general guidelines:
Since this is SMP, general religious/god posts are not allowed but some leeway under the umbrella of Philosophy will be allowed. Evangelism will not be tolerated. To Proselytise for any religion is counter to what SMP is about and Revelation is not evidence. Judgment of mod is final. Private message (PM) discussion for questions and answers is encouraged for clarification.
The links given below provide some general information on Science (and the scientific method) , Mathematics and Philosophy. There are many different scientific disciplines and all are welcome here and obviously there is some overlap within SMP in general. The links below are provided for reference and should help with the prescribed limits of what posts are 'legal' in this forum.
It should be noted that 2+2 has a Probability Forum and posts that deal exclusively with probability/chance/odds - including poker odds etc - should be posted there. Obviously some overlap and gray areas exist that will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis as noted above.
Also note that this forum is for science, philosophy and math as the title states. Poker is not a main theme of this forum, 2+2 has numerous forums dedicated to all aspects of poker and/or poker related topics. Please post in those forums first for poker, and only bring poker topics to SMP if it is related to math (poker probablility goes to probablity forum) or somehow can't be answered in the other forums, but the mod has the right to move, delete, or lock any poker related topic if he/she so chooses. Judgement of mod is final.
Science; General
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science
Scientific Method:
http://physics.ucr.edu/~wudka/Physic...www/node5.html
http://physics.ucr.edu/~wudka/Physic...www/node6.html
http://www.scientificmethod.com/
Mathematics:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematics
Philosophy:
http://www.trinity.edu/cbrown/intro/...ophy-what.html
http://www.answers.com/topic/philosophy
Other general information that is very important:
SMP is not a forum that deals with monetary rewards for doing math or other types of problems. If you have legitimate difficulty with homework or math type problems, then make an honest post about the problem and ask for help. I will delete any post as soon as I see it that deals with money for ‘homework’ or any monetary type rewards for work posed. That is not the purpose of this forum. Also note that there is an official Math Homework thread for those that wish legitimate help with difficulties.
Please also note that there is an Official outer limits/debunking thread in SMP. This was put in place to allow as much free expression as possible but also to contain the more outrageous and fringe topics within a single thread for the sanity and orderly conduct of the forum. As examples; to contain the 2012 end of the world deluge that hit SMP recently, or why man never really landed on the moon, UFO’s and alien abduction or take over, ESP, midgets living under Mt Shasta, etc. Those that have such beliefs or questions about them can have them critiqued/debunked or otherwise debated in SMP without the mess of have multiple threads
Be respectful and polite to other posters, personal attacks and personally directed vicious or bigoted/racist speech is not allowed, but a rational disscussion of why bigoted/racist speech exists is allowed.
Free Speech is sacrosanct but there are limits (see above for one example, or Oliver Wendell Homes) and
remember that posting on 2+2 is a privilege; not a right. If you violate posting rules and protocol there is an infraction system designed to inform/punish and bring in line those that abuse their posting privilege.
Make an effort to be as clear and precise as possible in debating and discussions and present evidence as required or appropriate from reliable sources (peer-reviewed journals for example). Debates are expected to be civil in nature. Trolling will be dealt with harshly; this is a forum with low traffic that aims for high-quality posts and posters, and trolls not only disrupt more in a low traffic forum; they also drive away those most likely to contribute to the high quality standard – In addition to sapping goodwill and energy out of the forum in general. This has a much more pronounce effect in a low-traffic forum so will be dealt with in a more aggressive manner than in other more high-traffic forums on 2+2. Please keep this in mind when posting in SMP.
Debate in good faith; in a rational manner, and have logical grounds for queries, answers, and general discussion. Disingenuous and weasel posts designed to circumvent rules, disrupt the forum, abuse others, or generally accepted debating principles should be avoid and will result in infractions and/or deletion of posts and/or threads.
Warnings and infractions will be dealt out for those that purposefully disregard the above.
In addition see this post for an added update (9/20/2012) explanation on posting in SMP:
http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/47.../#post34874385
On a practical note, present source material with appropriate links and references and within the prescribed copyright laws.
Also, adhere to the 2+2 forum terms and conditions:
http://www.twoplustwo.com/terms.php
A wise man proportions his belief to the evidence -David Hume
Two Plus Two
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