What do I mean when I use the term \u201cscience?\u201d<\/p>\n
Scientific hypothesis<\/b>: A univocal<\/b> (unambiguous) idea valid for testing.<\/p>\n
Science fact<\/b>: Experimentally derived observations using a univocal scientific hypothesis, publicly described methods and data. Note how all scientific facts are provisional – any\u00a0Science fact can be refuted.<\/p>\n
Scientific theory<\/b>: a Science fact strongly verified with no valid refutation. (Common use of the term “theory” is what the science community calls a “hypothesis.”)<\/p>\n
Science reasoning<\/b>: Use of logic and reasoning to apply facts to reach conclusions, avoiding use of logical fallacies.<\/p>\n
Science – as data and methods<\/b>: The cumulative body of methods and Science facts used to establish reliable knowledge.<\/p>\n
Science – as a Body or an Institution<\/b>: Two sets of researchers: One set conducts experiments and gathers observations of natural phenomena. The other group works on mathematics and explanations.<\/p>\n
Science Thinking<\/b>: When I use the term \u201cscience\u201d related to science as a mode of thinking – I mean “philosophy of science” related to — Science as data and methods.<\/p>\n
For many decades I’ve worked on the side of experimental-evidence-based thinking to educate others about how some ideas cannot be examined by experiment, such as Astrology and Dowsing. Most advocates of the latter category refuse to provide definitions.<\/p>\n
I believe it is not appropriate to publicly object to anyone else’s philosophy or religion which is not based on experimentally derived knowledge \u2013 unless they try use such experiment-free \u201cfacts\u201d to interfere with other people’s lives.<\/p>\n
However, when someone tries to influence or make harmful governmental decisions using deception with a facade of experimentally derived facts – I support opposition in the form of public education of the best available science; the best available experimentally derived facts. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n
Published January<\/strong> 30, 2013, Update Feb<\/strong> 1, 2016 and June 2018<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" What do I mean when I use the term \u201cscience?\u201d Scientific hypothesis: A univocal (unambiguous) idea valid for testing. Science fact: Experimentally derived observations using a univocal scientific hypothesis, publicly described methods and data. Note how all scientific facts are … Continue reading