Lecture Notes: Science, Philosophy, and Knowledge

Introduction

• Focus on video games, board games, and science.
• Aim: Gain proficiency in science for a final project.
• Today's focus: Basics of science and its social aspects.

Importance of Philosophy

• Philosophy underpins all disciplines.
• Doing philosophy is inherent in questioning the purpose of disciplines.
• Philosophy provides a foundational understanding for scientific assumptions and conclusions.

Epistemology and Science

• Epistemology: Study of knowledge, how we know things.
• Philosophical assumptions are necessary for scientific disciplines.

Christian Perspective on Science

• Science is possible due to God's rational and understandable creation.
• Humans, made in God's image, are rational and can understand the world.
• The world is reliable and follows patterns as promised by God (Genesis 8:22).
• Study of the world is part of humanity's role to "rule" and care for it.

The Scientific Method

• Series of steps: Asking questions, making observations, proposing explanations, experimentation, and data analysis.
• Scientism claims objective truth through this method, but practical issues arise.

Challenges in Scientific Claims

• Many scientific claims are more likely to be false than true.
• Reproducibility and bias are significant issues.

Influences on Scientific Objectivity

• Existing beliefs and biases can influence the scientific process.
• Financial and social pressures can skew research outcomes.
• Governmental and political pressures may alter scientific findings.

Examples of Data Misrepresentation

• COVID-19 testing demonstrated discrepancies between case numbers and reality.
• Lack of testing availability affected perceived case numbers.

Government Control and Science

• Government decisions for the "greater good" may conflict with individual beliefs.
• Historical examples: Forced sterilizations, China's one-child policy.
• Concerns over potential designation of Christian beliefs as hate speech.

Media and Science

• News organizations aim for profit, not always public welfare.
• Clickbait and sensationalism affect public perception of scientific findings.
• Example: Rolling Stones defamation lawsuit due to false reporting.

Christianity and Objective Truth

• Objective truth exists and is revealed in God and scripture.
• Humans can attain truth but not exhaustively.
• Science reveals truth but has limitations; it describes but doesn't prescribe.

Conclusion

• Uniformity and constants in nature are crucial for science.
• Science relies on the belief in a consistent, orderly world.
• Christian belief attributes this order to God's creation.

Pausing Point

• Lecture will continue with practical applications in the next session.