Monday, January 14, 2008

What is Science and the Scientific Method?

The latin word of Science is "to know".

Science is the systematic study of the natural world to obtain knowledge and understanding about it.

This systematic study is also known as the Scientific Method which consist of asking questions and forming possible answers to them (hypothesis) and testing them out though observation, experiment and/or modelling.

So who are Scientists? Scientists are people who ask questions about the natural world and attempt to find answers to these questions by applying the Scientific Method. Therefore, there is no standstill in Science, Scientist are constantly asking new questions, forming new hypothesis and updating whatever information we already have about the world. Scientist hold on to the most possible theories. They will not abandon a theory, unless they find a better one that can possibly explain a phenomenon. Say, the evolution theory. Unless one can find a better explanation as to why there are so many fossils that look like our ancestors around, why are our DNA so similar on so many counts etc etc, we will hold on to it. :)

Science is also a department of systemized knowledge as an object of study. (Merriam Webster) The science of theology. The science of the natural world. The science of philosophy. They have different premises. Like the science of theology is based on faith whereas the science of the natural world is not. Therefore, since their premise are different, it is unfair to use the methods of one, on another.

For example, using the methods of the Science of the Natural World on God. I have a question as to whether God exist. My hypothesis is hard if I search hard enough but cannot find him physically to identify Him, He must be extinct.

Or using the methods of the Science of Theology on the Natural World. I have a question of why the sun rises in the East and sets in the West. I hypothesize that if I pray hard enough I will be able to change God's mind to make the sun rise in the West and set in the east instead.

They don't match. Professor Tan was trying to explain to me. I don't understand it fully and am finding it difficult to express myself. May I be enlightened more and more.