[Moseley]

Every hypothesis and every theory is an exercise in speculation.

No. Every hypothesis is an exercise in speculation. Formulating a hypothesis IS a creative project. All of "science" today consists exclusively of Steps #1 and #2 -- observe data and then dream up creative explanations that best explain the data.

Modern science has become nothing but a generation of Star Wars fans who want to be IMAGINEERS.

And, frankly, imagination and creativity are very valuable qualities. Without creativity and imagination, science could never unravel any of the mysteries of the universe.

But then the rest of the Scientific Method balances and contrasts creativity with skepticism.

To create a hypothesis requires speculation -- imagination.

For a hypothesis to become a theory, however, requires passing the strict disciplines and SKEPTICISM of the remaining steps in the Scientific Method.

[tacticalogic]

All of "science" today consists exclusively of Steps #1 and #2 -- observe data and then dream up creative explanations that best explain the data.

Is that speculation, or do you have proof?