Science Defined John V. Aliff, Georgia Perimeter College, Lawrenceville, GA Presentation Presentation Georgia Academy of Science Georgia Academy of Science Annual Meeting Annual Meeting Berry College, Rome, GA, Mar. 26, 2004 Berry College, Rome, GA, Mar. 26, 2004

What is science? Is it this? Is it this? Does Doesscience finally prove anything? anything?

Science defined A popular view of science is that it is any systematic approach, expounded with A popular view of science is that it is any systematic approach, expounded with technical jargon. technical jargon. A professional view of the definition of science is that it is a rigorous, systematic use of observations and logic to attempt to support or falsify possible explanations of natural phenomena. A professional view of the definition of science is that it is a rigorous, systematic use of observations and logic to attempt to support or falsify possible explanations of natural phenomena.

Science is a way of doing things, a way of thinking. Science starts with observations of happenings in nature. Science starts with observations of happenings in nature. The word hypothesis means “less than a good explanation.” The word hypothesis means “less than a good explanation.” In order to be scientific, the hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable – able to be proven (sort of) or disproved. In order to be scientific, the hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable – able to be proven (sort of) or disproved. A supernatural hypothesis is not testable or falsifiable. A supernatural hypothesis is not testable or falsifiable.

There are two types of science. Experimental – the experiments must have a control group. The control group has all the characteristics or conditions of the experimental group except one. Experimental – the experiments must have a control group. The control group has all the characteristics or conditions of the experimental group except one. Every tentative explanation or a hypothesis must be natural, testable and falsifiable. Every tentative explanation or a hypothesis must be natural, testable and falsifiable.

Observational science Natural phenomena are described using mathematical descriptions. Natural phenomena are described using mathematical descriptions. Mathematical descriptions from observations or experiments can tested using a method called statistics. Mathematical descriptions from observations or experiments can tested using a method called statistics. Statistics always compares experimental or observational mathematical data to numbers resulting from random events. Statistics always compares experimental or observational mathematical data to numbers resulting from random events.

A hypothesis is less than a theory. Confirmed hypotheses become points of information within a theory. Confirmed hypotheses become points of information within a theory. See McComas, William, Ten myths of science: Reexamining what we think we know...., Vol. 96, School Science & Mathematics, See McComas, William, Ten myths of science: Reexamining what we think we know...., Vol. 96, School Science & Mathematics,

Science is different from religion. Science and religion have different methods of discovery and different goals. Science and religion have different methods of discovery and different goals.

ComparisonReligionScience Method of Knowledge Revelation Scientific Method Thought process Intuition and Faith Rational or logical – induction and deduction of testable hypotheses Objectives Explain the supernatural. Explain purpose of existence. State morals and derive ethics. Explain natural phenomena (Creationism labels this naturalism and rejects it.)

Theories are valuable! Theories are general ideas supported by lots of evidence. In science, don’t confuse a theory with a hypothesis. Theories are general ideas supported by lots of evidence. In science, don’t confuse a theory with a hypothesis. A theory predicts new observations of phenomena and frames new hypotheses. A theory predicts new observations of phenomena and frames new hypotheses. Nuclear power and radiation therapies were developed from a theory of atomic energy Nuclear power and radiation therapies were developed from a theory of atomic energy in theoretical physics. in theoretical physics. Evolution theory explains antibiotic resistance and the appearance of new stains of viruses, e.g., A.I.D.S. (HIV) and influenza; and how to find oil. Evolution theory explains antibiotic resistance and the appearance of new stains of viruses, e.g., A.I.D.S. (HIV) and influenza; and how to find oil.

There are no final answers in science. Knowledge is infinite. Atoms are infinitely small and the universe is infinitely large. We can never know anything completely. Knowledge is infinite. Atoms are infinitely small and the universe is infinitely large. We can never know anything completely.

Scientists learn from failure. Watson and Crick made the first model of DNA, the chemical of genes – wrong that is! They got it right on the next attempt. Debate and revision of ideas in science is a natural process. Even as scientists debate the processes of evolution, the vast majority accept that it has happened. Debate is not evidence that the theory of evolution is fatally flawed.

Scientists are known by their discoveries. Scientists are constantly searching to observe and explain something new about nature. Sometimes they review an old concept, modify the theory or get rid of it; Scientists are constantly searching to observe and explain something new about nature. Sometimes they review an old concept, modify the theory or get rid of it; e.g., the theory of spontaneous generation of cells and organisms. e.g., the theory of spontaneous generation of cells and organisms.

Values of science Reliable explanations, cures for diseases, design of cars and buildings, devices. Reliable explanations, cures for diseases, design of cars and buildings, devices. The best explanations are available at a given point in history/time. The best explanations are available at a given point in history/time.

Conclusion: Science and Religion are not in conflict. This is the published position of the National Academy of Sciences. This is the published position of the National Academy of Sciences. Both have value. Religion informs one on ethics, morals and purpose of existence. Science can only explain natural phenomena.