“Science does not tell us how to live.” Leo Tolstoy

WHAT ARE THE NATURAL SCIENCES? Regularities of nature about which can be generalized. Patterns help to explain nature Examples: Ecosystems Liquids Periodic Table of Elements

Purpose of the Natural Sciences Describe and explain the natural world.

Pure Sciences These sciences attempt to explain why nature is the way it is. In your notebook come up with a list of pure sciences.

Applied Sciences These sciences attempt to explain how nature is the way it is. In your notebook come up with a list of applied sciences.

Types of Scientists Experimental Designs experiments, observes results in a laboratory. Theoretical Works mainly with mathematics, writing equations, solving calculations. Field Observes natural phenomena in its true state.

Pseudo-Sciences Also known as the Fake Sciences Acupuncture Astrology Homeopathy Crystology Define these and explain what makes them pseudo sciences.

Science vs. Pseudo Science Vagueness- statements are so vague that it is difficult to prove them wrong Ad Hoc exceptions- exceptions to the sciences cannot change the science completely but instead add to the overall understanding

Problems with Observation in the Natural Sciences Relevance- understanding what is and what is not important to the experiment. Expectations- perceptions deceive us in what we want to see and what is really there. Expert seeing- using scientific equipment is a difficult task to learn making it unreliable.

Problems with Testing Hypothesis Confirmation of bias- people tend to look for evidence that confirms their beliefs. Background assumptions- based on already proven assumptions one might choose not to believe new ideas.

Problems with Induction Practical problems no one can saw how many observations one must make before they can conclude a generalization. Generalizations are also just that a general conclusion that is not always perfect. Theoretical problems Claims are made outside of observations Claims are abandoned based on personal bias.

LINKING QUESTION Check for your linking question on the TOK-BIBLE web page under the natural sciences link.