NATURAL SCIENCES introduction

Can the word ‘science’ mean somewhat different things in different languages? What

subjects or disciplines could the term ‘natural sciences’ include?

Should the natural sciences be regarded more as a

method or more as a body of knowledge?

What is meant by ‘the scientific method’? What are the roles of

various kinds of reasoning in science? To what extent is there one method which is appropriate for, and actually followed in, all of

the natural sciences?

Is the scientific method a product unique to western culture, or is it universal?

What is the role of creativity in the sciences? To what extent is the creation of a hypothesis or a research

method comparable to the creation of a work of art?

What knowledge, if any, will always remain beyond the capabilities of science to

investigate or verify? If there is, or can be, such knowledge, why

will it always elude effective scientific treatment?

What can be meant by Poincare’s comment that ‘It is

through science that we prove, but through intuition

that we discover’?

What is, and what is not, science?• Science and pseudo-science• We have decided that science is a method more than it is a body

of knowledge, which may prompt us to see it as a way of knowing just as much as an area of knowledge. Anything that adheres to the rules of procedure for the scientific method can be called ‘scientific’. Anything that does not, falls into another category, such as pseudo-science or superstition.

• Consider the following, and explain why we generally consider them ‘pseudo-sciences’:• The Flat Earth Society• Paranormal investigations• Ufology• Phrenology• Crystal healing

• But before we pour scorn on those believe in pseudo-sciences, consider that some things that we accept now have started off as pseudo-sciences. For example:• Meteorites• Continental drift

• This can be controversial.• Creation science?

Do you have a scientific or a pseudo-scientific mind?1 = strongly disagree

2 = moderately disagree

3 = mildly disagree

4 = mildly agree

5 = moderately agree

6 = strongly agree

A It is probably true that certain people can predict the future quite accurately.

B For the most part, people who claim to be psychics are in reality very good actors.

C It is quite possible for planetary forces to control personality traits.

D Contrary to scientific opinion, there is some validity to fortune-telling.

EIn spite of the laws of science, some people can use their psychic powers to make objects move.

FAs a general rule, a fortune-teller's predictions that come true are a result of coincidence.

GRegardless of what you might read in the magazines, people who actually believe in "magical" ritual ceremonies are just wasting their time.

HAs a general rule, UFO sightings can best be explained as overreactions by people to naturally occurring events.

IFor the most part, most fortune-tellers' predictions are general and vague. It is just the situation that makes them believable.

JIn spite of what people think, card reading - for example, tarot cards - can tell a lot about a person and their future.

KCosmic forces (such as astrology) can still influence people's lives even though they don't believe in them.

LAlthough some people still believe there are people who can actually put a hex on or cast a love spell on someone, such belief is only superstition.

M Contrary to scientific belief, some people can make contact with the dead.

To work out your score for items b), f), g), h), i) and l), then reverse the value so that

1=6, 2=5, 3=4, 4=3, 5=2 and 6=1. Now add together all your scores. What is your total?

The higher your number, the more superstitious you are. The average in the

USA is 38; in the UK it is 32.

If you still consider yourself of a scientific rather than superstitious

mindset, consider the following: Would you be more interested in touching a pen that belonged to Albert Einstein? Would you live in a house that had

been lived in by a notorious killer? Is there any aspect to you that is

superstitious?