Ancient texts are sometimes referenced during discussions of scientific matters. I would like to ask if this is proper.
The ancients, naturally, knew and understood less than we moderns. Some ancient writings are accurate, some are not. Is the antiquity of a text a valid reason to reference it in a discussion?
In some cases, a text has been declared holy by some religion or other, and its adherents accord the text authority. Adherents of other religions, or none, however, are under no obligation to accord the text any authority. Are holy texts useful when discussions include non-adherents?