Changes

Science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge based on the [[scientific method]], as well as to the organized body of knowledge gained through such research.

Science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge based on the [[scientific method]], as well as to the organized body of knowledge gained through such research.

Science is based on the ontological position of [[Empiricism]], which states that knowledge must be based upon observable phenomena that are both testable (their validity can be falsified) and repeatable (another researcher, working under the same conditions, can produce a similar result).  

Science is based on the ontological position of [[Empiricism]], which states that knowledge must be based upon observable phenomena that are both testable (their validity can be falsified) and repeatable (another researcher, working under the same conditions, can produce a similar result). The [[principle of induction]] is used to predict future results derived from a [[hypothesis]] based on previous results.

Science is not to be confused with [[Materialism]], the view that the material realm is all that exists. As a rule, science does not discount the existence of non-observable phenomena, however since theories concerned with such matters are not falsifiable{{fact-scientific}} they are not amenable to empirical investigation, and are therefore not topics that science addresses.

Science is not to be confused with [[Materialism]], the view that the material realm is all that exists. As a rule, science does not discount the existence of non-observable phenomena, however since theories concerned with such matters are not falsifiable{{fact-scientific}} they are not amenable to empirical investigation, and are therefore not topics that science addresses.

The essential elements of a scientific method are iterations, recursions, interleavings, and orderings of the following:

The essential elements of a scientific method are iterations, recursions, interleavings, and orderings of the following:

-Characterizations (Quantifications, observations, and measurements)  

 

-Hypotheses (theoretical, hypothetical explanations of observations and measurements)  

'''Characterizations''' (Quantifications, observations, and measurements)  

-Predictions (reasoning including logical deduction from hypothesis and theory)  

 

-Experiments (tests of all of the above)  

'''Hypotheses''' (theoretical, hypothetical explanations of observations and measurements)  

 

'''Predictions''' (reasoning including logical deduction from hypothesis and theory)  

 

'''Experiments''' (tests of all of the above)  

Most scientific discoveries appear to be in conflict with a [[literal]] interpretation of many [[holy books]], including the [[Bible]]. However, science and empiricism make no claims about the nature of any potential [[supernatural]], [[immaterial]] realm, as these are impossible to assess empirically. Many scientists use philosophical tools such as [[Occam's razor]] and point to phenomena such as [[The God of the Gaps]] to argue for an implicit rejection of untestable hypotheses.

Most scientific discoveries appear to be in conflict with a [[literal]] interpretation of many [[holy books]], including the [[Bible]]. However, science and empiricism make no claims about the nature of any potential [[supernatural]], [[immaterial]] realm, as these are impossible to assess empirically. Many scientists use philosophical tools such as [[Occam's razor]] and point to phenomena such as [[The God of the Gaps]] to argue for an implicit rejection of untestable hypotheses.

==Kansas controversy==

==Kansas controversy==

The definition of science caused a heated controversy in Kansas that drew nationwide attention. <ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/15/science/sciencespecial2/15evol.html?ex=1289710800&en=8222cfc9c70fd951&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss</ref> Here are the definitions that were at issue for use by the state schools.

The definition of science caused a heated controversy in Kansas that drew nationwide attention. <ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/15/science/sciencespecial2/15evol.html?ex=1289710800&en=8222cfc9c70fd951&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss</ref> Here are the definitions that were at issue for use by the state schools.