iano writes:
Is space and time known absolutely to be linear as we understand it?
There are no absolutes.
Is it absolutely true that the earth goes around the sun or is it just that our current convention (or current common sense) indicates so?
Strictly speaking, it is a matter of our current conventions. Scientific theories establish conventions that we use in our observation reports. It is important to note, however, that the our current conventions make for a far far better fit to observations than did the earlier Ptolemaic conventions.
I can't see how science can comment on the effectiveness or otherwise of prayer.
Psychologists have so commented.
That would pre-suppose that objective/empirical is the only way to know - which is a philosophical position - not truth.
Do you also argue that science cannot comment on the effectiveness of astrology?