Science

From: Steve Rennell <software_at_spis.co.nz>
Date: Fri, 8 May 1998 10:28:14 +1100

Lord Julian wrote:
> Common sense definition: science is knowledge.

Not exactly. Science is an approach to getting knowledge. Rather than just observation, the very essence of science is prediction.

The general process of science tends to run

1) observe phenomenon
2) try to explain phenomonon
3) extrapolate other effects we would expect if the explanation is 

correct, (i.e. make predictions)
4) test to see if our prediction is right. 5) try to explain the bits that are wrong (new theory or change to old one)

Scientists keep thinking up other consequences of their theories looking for where their predictions do not match the real world, and then update their theories.

At least, that's the theory :-) RW scientists can be just as pig-headed and unwilling to look at the real world as your average religious fundamentalist - In the past I have argued the case that physics could be seen as a religion.

But then, I'm a philospher, not a scientist.

Steve

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