Overview
This lecture introduces the nature of science, distinguishing science from other ways of knowing, and explains the processes, assumptions, and limitations of scientific inquiry.
What Is Science?
- Science is a systematic way of knowing and understanding the natural world.
- It is distinct from other ways of knowing like religion and philosophy.
- Science assumes order and consistency in nature.
The Scientific Process
- Scientists follow curiosity, make observations, and gather evidence through investigation.
- Observations lead to tentative explanations: first hypotheses, then theories.
- Scientific knowledge is provisional and can change with new evidence.
- Science relies on skepticism, evidence, and peer critique to improve understanding.
Scope and Limits of Science
- Science studies only the natural world—what can be observed and measured.
- Questions about supernatural phenomena, ethics, or values fall outside science.
- Science assumes natural laws are consistent throughout the universe, but cannot address what lies beyond it.
Human Aspects of Science
- Science is a human endeavor influenced by personal experience and subjectivity.
- Collaboration and communication (e.g., sharing posters, publishing research) are essential in scientific work.
Types of Scientific Knowledge
- Observed events are facts (e.g., an apple falling).
- Laws describe consistent natural phenomena (usually with mathematical formulas).
- Hypotheses are testable, falsifiable explanations for observations.
- Theories are well-supported explanations for a broad set of observations (e.g., evolution, general relativity).
Revision and Progress in Science
- Scientific theories and explanations are constantly open to testing and revision.
- Historical examples: shift from miasma theory to germ theory of disease.
- New discoveries (e.g., gravitational waves, CRISPR gene editing) continuously evolve scientific understanding.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Hypothesis — a testable, falsifiable explanation for an observation.
- Theory — a broad, well-supported explanation for a wide range of observations.
- Law — a statement describing consistent relationships in nature, often mathematical.
- Fact — an observation confirmed repeatedly and accepted as true.
- Natural world — everything in the universe that can be observed and measured.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Explore open-access, peer-reviewed journals (e.g., PLOS ONE) to see current science.
- Watch science vlogs (e.g., Alex Dainis) for insight into scientific research and careers.