Science A process by which we gain understanding

Science • A process by which we gain understanding of our universe – • - based on observable and testable phenomena

The Scientific Method with an emphasis on the underlying processes of reasoning and logic

Experiment (observations under carefully controlled conditions) Testable prediction (Specific Hypothesis) General explanation (General Hypothesis) Specific observations Prediction falsified: reject or modify general hypothesis Prediction confirmed: Gain confidence in general hypothesis Repeated confirmation: Hypothesis becomes Theory or Law

Reasoning Processes • Inductive Reasoning: – from the specific to the general – e. g. forming a generalization based on specific observations. • Deductive Reasoning: – from the general to the specific – e. g. making a testable prediction based on a general hypothesis

The Hypothetico-Deductive Method • From Aristotle to the Renaissance, deductive reasoning was considered most important. • Beginning in the 1500’s, emphasis on pure induction (observation and explanation): – Galileo, Vesalius, Bacon • In the 1800’s it was recognized that science must involve both induction and deduction.

Experiment (observations under carefully controlled conditions) Experimental design Testable prediction (Specific Hypothesis) Deduction General explanation (General Hypothesis) Induction Specific observations Induction Prediction falsified: reject or modify general hypothesis Prediction confirmed: Gain confidence in general hypothesis Repeated confirmation: Hypothesis becomes Theory or Law