Statement: ... "We don't vote on science, thus the IAU vote makes no sense."
- I agree that we should not vote on science.
- However, look at the following questions:
- What is the composition of Pluto?
Science.
- Did Charon form in a massive collision?
Science.
- Is Pluto a planet?
Not Science! It does not investigate its characteristics, formation, or evolution.
We are arguing over a definition of a word!
- Defining words is not science!
- However, it is important because we need words to communicate.
- But, this only works if we have a consensus.
- And, the only mechanism we have to reach formal consensus is through voting at the IAU.
- If you want to change the definition of 'planet', go back to the IAU.
- The worst thing is anarchy, where different publications use different definitions.
