Characteristics of Science Flashcards

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

Strengths:
- Provides tangible evidence to support claims.
- Recognized and accepted globally.
- Scientific knowledge continues to grow and evolve.
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.

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.