Introduction Flashcards
What is science?
A process of discovery that links isolated facts into a coherent understanding of the natural world.
Involves intellectual activities such as observation, description, experimentation, and explanation of natural phenomena.
What are the three principal elements of scientific thinking?
- Empiricism
- Rationalism or Logical Reasoning
- Skepticism
These elements guide the methodical approach to understanding the world.
Define Empiricism in the context of scientific thinking.
Use of empirical evidence based on tangible experience and observations that are testable and repeatable.
Empiricism emphasizes the importance of observation in the scientific method.
What does Rationalism or Logical Reasoning entail?
Making sense of the world through a sequence of evidence-based events.
This involves forming conclusions based on logical deductions from observed data.
What is Skepticism in scientific thinking?
Constant questioning of one’s own beliefs and conclusions leading to self-correction where needed.
Skepticism encourages critical thinking and helps to avoid biases.
What are the two methods of logical reasoning in science?
- Inductive reasoning
- Deductive reasoning
Each method serves different purposes in scientific inquiry.
What is Inductive reasoning?
A form of logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion.
It is the basis of descriptive science, focusing on observation and discovery.
What is Deductive reasoning?
Uses a general principle or law to forecast specific results.
It is associated with hypothesis-based science, which involves specific questions and potential answers.
How do inductive and deductive reasoning differ?
Inductive reasoning goes from individual observations to broad generalizations while deductive reasoning goes from general principles to specific predictions.
This distinction highlights the different approaches to scientific inquiry.
What drives the development of science?
Curiosity and inquiry.
These are essential for stimulating scientific exploration and discovery.
Fill in the blank: The basis of descriptive science is _______.
Inductive reasoning.
Descriptive science focuses on observing and exploring phenomena.
Fill in the blank: Hypothesis-based science relies on _______.
Deductive reasoning.
This method typically involves forming hypotheses that can be tested.
True or False: Scientific thinking is limited to the study of the natural world.
False.
Scientific thinking can be applied to various fields beyond just natural sciences.
