The nature of science

Nature of Science

Even in a technologically advanced society such as ours, there is little common awareness of science and of scientific principles. As a result, many people are blinded by pseudoscience. In his article "The Nature of science," David S. Smith outlines the definition of science, the process of science, and the limitations of science so that readers can better understand how to distinguish between scientific fact and fiction. According to Smith, there is no universal definition of science. However, for the purposes of his argument, Smith defines science as the branch of knowledge that deals with the structure and operation of the universe. Science is only concerned with natural principles, observable phenomena, and verifiable evidence. Science is not, on the other hand, interested in the supernatural or in any non-verifiable or non-testable phenomena such as ethics or art. The natural principles that scientists are concerned with must also be potentially observable by all persons, using whatever tools are necessary. The observations must also be repeatable. One of the major underlying assumptions of science is that natural principles govern every natural phenomena and that these phenomena can be observed and tested using the scientific method.

The process of science, commonly referred to as the scientific method, involves a simple set of steps. First, an individual gathers facts through sensory observation. Next, the scientist forms an educated guess, or hypothesis. There may be more than one hypothesis about the same ideas; forming hypotheses makes science a creative endeavor, according to Smith. Next, the hypothesis must be tested using experiments or systematic observations. Experiments involve variables that can be manipulated and controlled. Experiments should be replicable by other scientists. Some hypotheses cannot be tested in the laboratory, such as astronomical or historical ones. When hypotheses cannot be tested through experimentation, then they can be replicated through repeated observations or even through a process of falsification or deduction. Smith notes that it may be impossible to unequivocally prove something with one hundred percent accuracy; rather, scientists seek probability.

The term theory is often misconstrued: Smith states that "theories always explain facts." Moreover, there is no clear demarcation between a theory and a hypothesis. Theories are basically broad hypotheses. Laws, on the other hand, are more restrictive and are often derived from theories. The practice of science entails experimentation as well as presentation to the scientific community. When the research is presented to other scientists, it is usually done so through peer-reviewed journals. Often other scientists will critique and critically evaluate the scientific experiment and attempt to replicate it. When the experiment has been replicated the hypothesis may become part of the canon of established science and from there, common knowledge.