Scientific Method Flashcards
What is the scientific method?
-come up with a question, hypothesis, research it, analyze it and write on it
What does the quote, “the belief in the universal applicability of the scientific method and approach, and the view that empirical science constitutes the most authoritative worldview or the most valuable part of human learning - to the exclusion of other viewpoints.”
-that if it is true it must be able to be researched and studied and that only those things. It implies that science is superior to, or should replace, other ways of knowing, such as philosophy, art, religion, or personal experience.
What are the goals of science? (4)
-describe (the natural world)
-explain (natural phenomena)
-predict (outcomes in the natural world)
-control (outcomes in the natural world)
*because science can only explain the physical, natural world
What are the principles of science? (3)
-lawful universe (universe operates according to consistent laws)
-knowable laws (the laws governing the universe can be discovered and understood through observation)
-empirical knowledge (knowledge gained through observation and research)
What are three things science cannot address? (3)
-ethics/morals
-values
-philosophy
Describe the limitations of science.
- Science is confined to natural/physical phenomena
- Science cannot prove any theory with certainty or finality
- Scientific knowledge is subject to change
- Science is based on assumptions taken by faith
What did Hume and Popper say about theories?
-they are never provable, they are never facts with 100% consistency
Describe Thomas Kuhn’s paradigm shifts in science?
-starts with normal science -> model drift -> model crisis -> model revolution -> paradigm change
-like with Newton to Einstein
What is the foundation of science? Of religion?
-reason, belief
Does Richard Dawkins believe that science proves there is a god?
-no and science proves that there isn’t
Does Francis Collin’s say that science says there is a god?
-yes and science “shows” it
