Let’s add some detail to our definition of science….

“Science is the systematic enterprise of gathering knowledge about the world and organizing and condensing that knowledge into testable laws and theories.” “The success and credibility of science is anchored in the willingness of scientists to: ”

“(1) expose their ideas and results to independent testing and replication by other scientists; this requires the complete and open exchange of data, procedures and materials;” “(2) abandon or modify accepted conclusions when confronted with more complete or reliable experimental evidence.” “Adherence to these principles provides a mechanism for self-correction that is the foundation of the credibility of science.” Science is testable!

How easy do you think it is to “abandon or modify your conclusions when confronted with more complete or reliable experimental evidence?” A.Pretty easy if the evidence is good B.Pretty difficult C.Very hard

Watch out! These words are commonly used in English but have a DIFFERENT meaning in science! Theory Model Belief

My theory about how the Broncos are going to do next year … A.Can be pretty uncertain B.Has almost no doubt; I’ve never been wrong.

A Scientific Theory … A.Can be pretty uncertain B.Has almost no doubt; has never been wrong.

The word “theory” connotes “uncertainty” to laypersons, but this is incorrect usage for scientists. A scientific theory, such as the “Theory of Gravity,” or “Theory of Relativity” is a hypothesis that has been extensively tested and passed all tests (so far) It would be better if scientists said “body of knowledge known as...” instead of “theory of...” But they rarely do, so YOU must interpret!

A “scientific model” is a collection of concepts that accounts for all existing results and generates testable predictions. Such a model is not necessarily tangible, like a model solar system. It could be a model of an atom, or a “computer model.” Models explain things and generate testable predictions. (e.g. When is the next total eclipse of the sun?)

When there are two or more competing models for a phenomenon and all the models yield the same results, Occam’s razor says that the simplest model is probably the correct one.

Scientists sometimes say things like “We believe the Earth is round.” They should say, “evidence tells us” but often are lazy. When they say believe, in a scientific sense, they mean believe based on evidence. Who is to blame for muddled terminology? Scientists! Sometimes we’re terrible communicators!

Time to…identify the class psychics. But first – why are we doing all the science and pseudoscience discussion? CU Arts & Sciences says about the core: Courses in this area encourage the active practice of critical reasoning, evaluation, and discussion. They do so by providing opportunities for student participation beyond those offered in ordinary lecture courses, labs, or seminars. Critical thinking courses address matters of controversy within a given field of study or in the society at large. Students learn how to construct, defend, and criticize arguments; identify and assess tacit assumptions; and gather and evaluate evidence.