1. SCI 111 – Exploration of the Universe Chapter#1 – Philosophy of Science

2. Philosophy of science is as useful to scientists as ornithology is to birds.
Richard Feynman

3. CHAPTER #1 – Philosophy of Science
Topics to Be Covered
Definition of Science
Philosophy of Science
Scientific Method

4. Definition of Science
Science is a systematic process of seeking for or producing knowledge. This process involves
1- making an observation
2- problem definition
3- development of hypothesis
4- continuous testing
5- extensive peer review
6- development of theories, laws or principles
Science is a particular way of understanding natural phenomena. \
It describes how the universe we belong to functions the way it does (or possibly the multi- verses!)
Science benefits from some human values like curiosity, creativity and imagination. It requires a positive attitude for being efficient and effective in scientific development.

5. Main Features of Science
Scientific outcomes are universal.
Scientific ideas or conclusions are subject to change
Scientific knowledge is reliable
Science has limits. It cannot answer all questions.
Science demands solid evidences.
Scientific decisions or evaluations are NOT affected by feelings, past experiences or beliefs.
Science is shaped by logic and imagination.
Science explains
Science predicts
Science is organized into content disciplines and is conducted in various institutions, i.e. physics, chemistry, biology, engineering… All are equally scientific.

6. Def. Philosophy of Science
Topics to Be Covered
Def. the attempt to understand the meaning, method and logical structure of science by means of a logical and methodological analysis of the aims, methods, criteria, concepts, laws and theories of science.

7. Scientists often use concepts like…
Causality and Law
Theory
Explanation

8. In every day life (Classical Mechanics) events are ordered in time:
Who influences whom?
In every day life (Classical Mechanics) events are ordered
in time:
A cause can only influence an effect in its future not in its past.
In Quantum Mechanics, the picture may change drastically. According to quantum mechanics, objects can lose their well- defined classical properties, such as e.g. a particle that can
be at two different locations at the same time.
In quantum physics this is called a "superposition".
CAUSALITY

9. Let’s review some concepts
Epistemology
branch of philosophy that deals with what knowledge is, how we come to accept some things as true, and how we justify that acceptance.
Empiricism
set of philosophical approaches to building knowledge that emphasizes the importance of observable evidence from the natural world.
Deduction — method of reasoning in which a conclusion is logically reached from premises. For example, if we know the current relative positions of the moon, sun, and Earth, as well as exactly how these move with respect to one another, we can deduce the date and location of the next solar eclipse.