Changes

* A theory is put forward (Popper argues that this is not inductive, but the consensus is that people are led to invent theories based upon previous observations)

* A theory is put forward (Popper argues that this is not inductive, but the consensus is that people are led to invent theories based upon previous observations)

* This theory is provisionally assumed to be true for the purposes of testing it.

* This theory is provisionally assumed to be true for the purposes of testing it.

* Assuming the theory is true, we can logically follow it through to a specific and inevitable outcome, a prediction, which becomes the hypothesis. In order for the hypothesis to be considered scientific it must be falsifiable.

* Assuming the theory is true, we can logically follow it through to a specific and inevitable outcome, a prediction, which becomes the hypothesis. In order for the hypothesis to be considered scientific it must be tested

* The hypothesis is repeatedly tested empirically.

* The hypothesis is repeatedly tested empirically.

* If the observations do not falsify the hypothesis then we accept the theory provisionally (note, we cannot say that it is now 'fact', nor that is has been 'proven')

* If the observations prove the hypothesis thent the theory can, provisionally, be accepted (note, we cannot say that it is now 'fact', nor that is has been 'proven')

* If the observations do falsify the hypothesis then we reject it in its current form.

* If the observations do falsify the hypothesis then we reject it in its current form.

* The theory, or at least parts of it, can then be modified, or a new theory proposed, which takes us back to the beginning of the process.

* The theory, or at least parts of it, can then be modified, or a new theory proposed, part of a continuing process..

Since verification of general theories is logically impossible, science is not, as many believe, a body of accumulated 'facts', but rather a collection of theories that have yet to be falsified. Via falsification we can move closer and closer to the truth, but since verification is not possible, we can never know if we ever reach the goal of 'ultimate truth' itself.

Since verification of general theories is logically impossible, science is not, a body of accumulated 'facts', but rather a collection of theories that move closer and closer to the truth, but, since verification may not always be possible, we may never know of 'ultimate truth' itself.

==Naturalism and science==

==Naturalism and science==