From the earliest introduction to general science onward students are taught . . .

Objects in space (far from any others) have:

1) a kinetic energy described by E = ½ m v²

2) a momentum described by p = m v

          The curriculum, and most professors never emphasize that the above is just a convenient approximation grounded in our reliance in the past on experimental measurements.

          Given that the truth is easy to state:

Objects in space (far from any others) have:

1) a kinetic energy described by KE = (ɣ - 1) m c²

2) a momentum described by p = ɣ m v

For most situations we can use the approximations:

1) kinetic energy is described by KE = ½ m v²

2) momentum is described by p = m v

and once stated would spark a really interesting conversation about how we know what we know and the true nature of the scientific enterprise; why, oh why do we choose to lie?

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          To be fair my title is a lie. This is not about Physics, this is about everything we do.

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          Politics (Economics, Sociology, et cetera) is such a mess because virtually every aspect of it is grounded in a lie of one type or another. Appealing to the time honored tradition of logic doesn't seem to be working. I can teach the most incredibly complex aspects of particle physics to students, but the most basic aspects of our political landscape are shrouded in a fog of duplicity and self interest. Well, at least, I voted for Jill early yesterday with very short lines at the elections office. So, happy elections day, everybody ‽

Edit: Fixed the Title.