Lecture 2 Flashcards
How do we investigate natural reality?
The trial and error method
How is data obtained with the scientific approach?
Through laboratory experiments, direct observations, and interpretations based on verifiable data.
What happens before something is published?
Data is checked and peer reviewed
What happens if a hypothesis is re-checked and withstands criticism?
It can turn into a theory
What is a theory using scientific language?
Associated with demonstrated facts and ideas. Remains true until proven wrong or insufficient to accommodate additional observational data
What is a paradigm?
What a theory can be transformed into if it holds up. A set of rules about how we govern ourselves in science.
What is something scientists cannot do?
Create miracles. Scientists do not create reality, they observe it.
What is “theory” associated with in common language?
Whether something is true or not.
How many words are specific to palaeontology?
11 000 plus.
Is religion absolute or relative?
Absolute. Doesn’t change much through time, based on Dogma.
Is art absolute or relative?
Dual. Absolute in that the artist creates the work of art, relative in what the public makes of the work of art
Is law absolute or relative?
Absolute on limited periods of time (has changed in certain time periods, but remains around a central idea)
Is science relative or absolute?
Relative-changes through time and in the domains of applicability.
What are 2 examples of science being relative?
Lightspeed. Other galaxies are actually moving faster than lightspeed. Also Newtons theory of gravity, as gravity works differently on other planets
Is philosophy relative or absolute?
Entirely relative-multiple datasources, info can come from everything. Is detrimental to science.
What are some characteristics of science?
All data can be tested, has a potentially unlimited field of study and research, no directionality in science-make research on a particular phenomena, don’t seek to prove something
What is a pseudoscience?
Method of understanding science that does not fulfill all requirements of science (example is intelligent design-accepts a limit whereas science does not).
What is geology?
The study of the earth-focus is on our planets composition, processes that happen at it’s interior or at it’s surface, and it’s changes and evolution through time.
What is physical geology?
Studied from the 10000 years ago— present day (change)
What is historical geology?
Looks at the earth since the start of time (evolution)
What is crystallography?
Principles of crystal (mineral) architecture. Doesn’t dea with matter, is essentially descriptive geometry (edges and plains)
What is mineralogy?
Combines crystallography with the matter. Composition, architecture occurrence, and physical properties of minerals.
What is petrology?
Study of igneous (molten), sedimentary (particles of other rocks), and metamorphic (remains solid with pressure), rocks.
What is sedimentology?
Study of the sediments and their deposition.
What is palaeontology?
The study of fossils
What is stratigraphy?
Study of successions of layers and bodies of rocks
What is structural geology?
Study of rock response to applied force
What is geochemistry?
The study of the chemical composition of the Earth and chemical reactions in the natural environment-surface and or subsurface.
What is geochronology?
Study of geological time in absolute values
What is tectonics?
Study of regional geological features
What is geophysics?
Physical characteristics of the Earth and compounding layers or bodies of rocks, surfaces, subsurface fluids etc.
