The Scientific Method and Its Application to a Good Living

(AKA: The Empirical Method)

“Reasonable people, equally informed, seldom disagree”

“Argument from ignorance” (from Latin: argumentum ad ignorantiam), also known as “Appeal to ignorance” (in which ignorance represents "a lack of contrary evidence"), is a fallacy in informal logic. It asserts that a hypothesis (proposed explanation) is true because it has not yet been proven false (or vice versa). While empiricism implies “If it works then it is true” is not an absolute truth but a “practical truth”. We must be open-minded to accept a “paradigm shift” if future evidence contradicts previously accepted “empirical truth”. 1.0 The following question is essential in the planning for a research to understand a phenomenon: What is the difference between a thesis statement and a hypothesis statement? Answer: “Both the hypothesis statement and the thesis statement answer the research question of the study. When the statement is one that can be proved or disproved, it is a hypothesis statement. If, instead, the statement ‘specifically shows the intentions, objectives and the position of the researcher’, it is a thesis statement. A hypothesis is a statement that can be proved or disproved. It is typically used in quantitative research and predicts the relationship between variables. A thesis statement is a short, direct sentence that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay or research paper. It is seen in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research. A thesis statement is developed, supported, and explained in the body of the essay or research report by means of examples and evidence. Every research study should contain a concise and well-written thesis statement. If the intent of the study is to prove or disprove something, that research report will also contain a hypothesis statement. NOTE: In some disciplines, the hypothesis is referred to as a thesis statement! This is not accurate but within those disciplines it is understood that "a short, direct sentence that summarizes the main point" will be included

2.0 A research is normally initiated by the first step of the following four (4) analytical steps:

1. Observe a phenomenon 2. Seek patterns in measured observations and quantify them to form predictions 3. Formulate a hypothesis for the description of the empirical findings 4. Gather independent data to challenge the hypothesis (falsifiability).

The Search for Failures

Theories can never be proven; they can only defy being disproven Shannon’s Verifiability Definition of Meaningless – “Untestable statements are

meaningless. The great tragedy of science is the staying of a beautiful hypothesis by an ugly fact”, e.g., “Tested faith is meaningful faith”

Non-falsifiable hypothesis is non-scientific and therefore intellectually dishonest. In logic, the fallacy of “An argument from ignorance” (from Latin “Argumentum Ad

ignorantiam”), is the assertion that “Something is true because it has not proven false”.

The essence of the scientific method, knowns as “Analysis”, consists of the three (3) steps of studying a phenomenon as follows:

1. Thesis – a proposed statement explaining observed events or phenomena 2. Antithesis – a statement of empirical findings contradicting the thesis. 3. Synthesis – the reconciliatory effort to have the previous thesis be modified or

even rejected in order for the honest description of the phenomenon being studied. 3.0 The Theory of Evolution by Charles Darwin should be allowed to be challenged by theories such as “Intelligent Design”. It takes more faith to believe that the building material of our human bodies were “created” inside stars, that subsequently exploded, releasing “Star dust” that “miraculously” chose to re-assemble themselves to create all the life-supporting components and systems, such as the weather. The proper distance of the earth from the Sun and have an “Earth mate” called Luna (moon) to stabilize the Sun-light exposure, to have Polar Caps which cause the uniform weather, etc. etc. and then the chemicals one day decided to become self-aware by becoming conscious and then ask themselves “Where do we come from, how we came into existence, why are we here, and where are we going after death” and the answer from evolutionists is: “Many random processes over millions or even billions of years produced life that has no meaning for being”

Other evolutionists dismiss “The Biocentrism Thesis of a Finely Tune Universe” with the invention of either ‘Materials have conscience without a God’ or ‘Multiverses’ (i.e., ‘Parallel Universes’) to dismiss the ‘apparent finely tune universe’ by being just one of many versions of space” - It is ironic that Biology is the Science dedicated to understanding “Living organisms” while at the same time ignoring the question “What is The Meaning of Life”. The Second Law of Thermodynamics can be called “The Law of Chaos” because it simply states “All systems with an initial state of cosmos (order) naturally tend to chaos (disorder) unless an external source (e.g., God) of cosmos (order) or life impedes or even reverses the natural tendency of disorder and death. For instance, that natural state of iron is not the shiny form we are accustomed to seeing prior to oxidation. Iron oxide is the natural state of iron. Similarly, sin, the inability of humans to make themselves be “naturally good”. Therefore, sinfulness is indeed the natural state of humans. However, Jesus Christ has purchased us from the god of this world, Satan, and has equipped us with His love through grace and mercy to allow others to be drawn to Him and make life a more bearable experience for all those of good will. It should be noted that “Psychologists” recognize an “accusative voice” that they label as “Small judging sub-self” and Christians call such a detrimental voice as “Satan” which means “Adversary” or our “Personal enemy”. If we were not created, then what benefit does Satan have for each human? (Hint: John 10:10). An acronym to assist those wanting to find love and peace is H.U.R.T.: Hubris Unregenerate Reprobate Time This acronym has the common idea that: “Egocentrism leads to chaos which is disorder (HURT) but being Theocentric leads to cosmos (order) and therefore peace and love. “For God does not give us a spirit of terror but of love and a disciplined (self-controlled) sound mind” - 2 Timothy 1:7 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:33 Love > Terror (Love is more powerful than terror).

Design intent depends on who is defining the problem    

   

FIGURE 1.4: Note how the design depends on the viewpoint of the individual who defines the problem. Reference “Engineering Design” 4th Edition by George E. Dieter and Linda C. Schmidt. ISBN 978-0-07-283703-2, Page 11, Figure 1.4.