What is Science Definition of Science Science is

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What is Science?

What is Science?

Definition of Science ► “Science is the search for truth” – NO! ► “Science

Definition of Science ► “Science is the search for truth” – NO! ► “Science is what scientists do” (or what is done at scientific institutions) – NO! ► Science is a process that relies on a strict investigative method for understanding the world around us by evaluating evidence through reason ► The scientific method is the process for evaluating evidence

The Scientific Method Observations are used to develop testable predictions called hypotheses ► Additional

The Scientific Method Observations are used to develop testable predictions called hypotheses ► Additional observations or experiments are used to examine the validity of a hypothesis (falsification) ► If necessary, hypotheses are restated in response to discrepancies after testing ► A hypothesis that has withstood rigorous testing is considered a theory ► Several related theories may constitute a scientific law ►

Tools of the Scientific Method ► Logic § Deductive (general observations → specific conclusions)

Tools of the Scientific Method ► Logic § Deductive (general observations → specific conclusions) ►All men are mortal ►Socrates is a man ►Socrates is mortal (premise 1) (premise 2) (conclusion) § Inductive (specific observations → general conclusions) ►e. g. , specific symptoms are used to identify an illness

Tools of the Scientific Method ► The controlled experiment § All variables, except for

Tools of the Scientific Method ► The controlled experiment § All variables, except for the one being investigated, are kept constant ► Falsification is a critical step where the investigator (and others) try to show that the hypothesis is false § Hypotheses can be disproved but never proven (someday another observation may contradict the hypothesis)

Tools of the Scientific Method ► Mathematical models § The language of science should

Tools of the Scientific Method ► Mathematical models § The language of science should be very precise (no additional “interpretations” are permitted) § Mathematical expressions are the most precise language

Peer Review ► Scientific discoveries should be original ► The scientist should be free

Peer Review ► Scientific discoveries should be original ► The scientist should be free of bias that would influence interpretation of results ► Conclusions should stand on their own merit and not need support from outside factors (e. g. , social, ethnic, religious, personal desires) ► Scientific statements are not accepted on faith and must withstand close scrutiny including falsification attempts ► Scientific knowledge, including methodology, should be freely available to the public ► The language used should be precise and unambiguous

Key Points ► Science is conducted by formulating and testing hypotheses ► Scientific advancement

Key Points ► Science is conducted by formulating and testing hypotheses ► Scientific advancement depends on rejecting hypotheses (acceptance is always conditional) ► If a hypothesis cannot be tested, the scientific method cannot be employed and the hypothesis lies outside the realm of science.