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Science is the
study of the material world using human reason. The scientific
method is the way human reason and logic are deductively applied to
the material world to gain knowledge. It is a tool and
like most tools, it has both strengths and weaknesses. Since we live
in a society dominated by science, it is important for us to
understand the methods, processes, possibilities and limits of
science. We do not have to become specialists to do this, but it
sure helps to have some first hand experience using the scientific
method.
Science, by definition, limits
itself to what can be observed, measured and verified. It is an
appropriate tool for answering certain types of questions, but an
inappropriate method for answering others.
The scientific method cannot, for
example, be used to find the answers to questions like "Does X love
me?" or "Why does the giraffe have a long neck?". The reason is that
feelings and meaning cannot be measured. (However, "What are the
evolutionary advantages the giraffe gains through having a long
neck?" is a valid question.) |
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