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What Science "Is Not"

A process that can solve or answer all kinds of problems and questions. It doesn't address the supernatural realm or the realm of values and ethics.

A process that can ignore rules. (Science actually follows basic principles of logic, critical thinking, and standard procedures.)

A process that attempts to prove things. Science actually tries to disprove ideas (tentative explanations). It challenges or tests ideas. If the hypothesis or idea stands up to testing, then it is a likely explanation.

A process that produces certainties and absolute facts. Science produces "highly probable" explanations based on the best information at hand. New information, tools for observing, or new approaches may lead to better explanations that can replace earlier ones.

A process that is free from values, opinions, or bias. Scientists are people and although they may try to be as objective as possible while following the rules of science, both their observations and interpretations may be unconsciously biased by their previous experiences and mental models (assumptions and beliefs).

A process where one solution is as good as another or is just a matter of opinion. Science involves rigorous analysis and fair-test comparison of alternative explanations using specific criteria, and explanations are confirmed by multiple lines of evidence.

Adapted from Larry Flammer, Teaching the Nature of Science, What Science is NOT, ENSI Web site

 

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