What is science

Question 1

Overview

Answer 1

Science is different from religion and political ideologies because it claims be based on an examination of empirical evidence (observable evidence), collected under conditions of objectivity and value freedom, whereas religious knowledge and political ideology is based on faith and subjective belief.

Many scientists claim there is a clear distinction between science and other ways of viewing the world.

Question 2

Components :Science is falsifiable

Answer 2

knowledge gained is open to confirmation or rejection by others.
Popper says that once knowledge is put forward for scrutiny it should be possible to engage in the process of falsification.
In this way science is also replicable; it is open to the repeat testing of evidence. This allows scientific knowledge to be cumulative, as it builds up over time on previous knowledge, moving toward greater understanding of the world.

Question 3

Components: Science is objective

Answer 3

values, bias and personal prejudices have no place in science. It is concerned with the objective discovery of the truth.
Once the truth is established, science operates in agreed paradigms of knowledge: there is an agreed set of beliefs of how the world operates. This also allows science to be theoretical; it seeks to uncover causal relationships between facts or occurrences, it does not simply describe events.

Question 4

A03

Answer 4

Is science always objective? In what way can it be subjective?

Is science socially constructed (constructed by society)?

How far does science depend on the social, economic and political environment of science research? How do these factors influence science?

Is science influenced by the identity of the scientist? (their gender/ethnicity/social class etc)

How far is science influenced by the demands of the economy or military?