Questions and Answers
What are the characteristics of science?
Objectivity, Verifiability, Ethical Neutrality, Systematic Exploration, Reliability, Precision, Accuracy, Abstractness.
What are strengths and weaknesses of science?
What is the scientific method?
A procedure for finding truth by using empirical evidence.
What kind of questions can science answer?
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What kind of questions can't science answer?
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What are the differences between scientific observations, hypotheses, and theories?
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What is the peer-review process?
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How can we assess the reliability of a scientific claim?
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What are the purposes of science?
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What is the relationship between correlation and causation?
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Can we reconcile perceived conflicts between scientific and religious truths? If so, how?
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What is truth?
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Can both science and religious doctrine lead us to truth?
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Study Notes
Characteristics of Science
- Objectivity: Knowledge is based on objective observations, minimizing personal bias.
- Verifiability: Relies on evidence gathered through sensory experience, including sight, sound, and touch.
- Ethical Neutrality: Science does not make ethical judgments; it seeks to understand without moral implications.
- Systematic Exploration: The process of exploring scientific phenomena follows structured methods.
- Reliability: Scientific findings can be consistently reproduced under similar conditions.
- Precision: Measurements are taken with high levels of detail and accuracy.
- Accuracy: Ensuring data and interpretations align closely with true values.
- Abstractness: Concepts and theories may exist beyond immediate physical entities.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Science
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Strengths:
- Provides tangible evidence to support claims.
- Recognized and accepted globally.
- Scientific knowledge continues to grow and evolve.
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Weaknesses:
- Limited to observable phenomena, cannot address metaphysical or past events.
Scientific Method
- A systematic procedure used to discover truth through empirical evidence and experimentation.
Questions Science Can Answer
- Focuses on tangible, measurable "how" questions, often relating to physical processes and phenomena.
Questions Science Cannot Answer
- Inability to provide explanations for abstract "why" questions, particularly those involving purpose.
Differences between Scientific Observations, Hypotheses, and Theories
- Hypothesis: A reasoned prediction that proposes a possible explanation for a phenomenon.
- Theory: A well-tested and widely accepted explanation, derived from substantial evidence and consensus.
- Hypotheses are initial guesses; theories are based on validated research and can be revised or falsified.
Peer-Review Process
- Ensures the quality and credibility of scholarly work by subjecting it to evaluation by experts in the field before publication.
Assessing the Reliability of Scientific Claims
- Step 1: Clearly restate the specific claim.
- Step 2: Gather and identify relevant evidence.
- Step 3: Evaluate the quality and robustness of the evidence.
- Step 4: Assess the overall validity of the claim based on the evidence.
Purposes of Science
- Aims to explain natural phenomena and enhance understanding of the universe.
Correlation vs. Causation
- Correlation: Indicates a relationship between two events or conditions.
- Causation: Establishes that one event directly causes another.
Reconciling Scientific and Religious Truths
- Achievable through continuous learning and understanding, recognizing that knowledge is often incomplete.
Concept of Truth
- Defined as relative, permanent, and consistent, despite differing personal perspectives.
Science and Religious Doctrine in the Pursuit of Truth
- Both domains can contribute to understanding truth, albeit through different methodologies and perspectives.
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Description
Explore the essential characteristics of science, including objectivity, verifiability, and systematic exploration. Understand the strengths and weaknesses that define scientific inquiry. This quiz will enhance your knowledge of the fundamental principles of science.
