The Nature of Science
Does Science Aim at Truth?
- Realism: Science aims to describe the world as it truly is.
- Antirealism: Science is a tool for prediction and control, not necessarily truth.
The debate over whether science aims at truth is central to understanding its nature and purpose.
What Is the Central Feature of Science?
- Empiricism: Science relies on observation and experimentation.
- Falsifiability: Scientific theories must be testable and refutable.
- Systematic Inquiry: Science follows a structured methodology to investigate natural phenomena.
When analyzing scientific theories, consider how they balance empirical evidence with theoretical coherence.
The Role of Observation, Experiment, and Measurement in Science
- Observation: The foundation of scientific inquiry, providing data about the natural world.
- Experimentation: Controlled testing of hypotheses to establish causal relationships.
- Measurement: Quantification of observations to ensure precision and repeatability.
Galileo's experiments with falling objects demonstrated the importance of measurement in challenging Aristotelian physics.
How Does Science Develop? Progress of Science
- Cumulative Model: Science builds on previous knowledge, gradually approaching truth.
- Paradigm Shifts (Thomas Kuhn):
- Normal Science: Research within an accepted framework.
