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| − | 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.
| + | '''Bold text'''''Italic text''[[Link title]] THE EARTH IS 4.5 BILLION YEARS OLD. CRAZY LOONS!!!!! |
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| − | 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.
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| − | 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.
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| − | Our understanding of the universe has been increasing [[exponentially]] since Mankind discovered [[agriculture]] 5000 years ago, accelerating yet further with the notable developments of [[Scientific Method]]- the system of [[hypothesis]], [[experiment]], and [[refinement]] that must be used to meet strict peer-review procedures used today, and increasing [[computer]] power over the last 50 years.
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| − | The essential elements of a scientific method are iterations, recursions, interleavings, and orderings of the following:
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| − | '''Characterizations''' (Quantifications, observations, and measurements) | + | |
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| − | '''Hypotheses''' (theoretical, hypothetical explanations of observations and measurements) | + | |
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| − | '''Predictions''' (reasoning including logical deduction from hypothesis and theory)
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| − | '''Experiments''' (tests of all of the above)
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| − | 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.
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| − | ==Kansas controversy==
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| − | 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.
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| − | :'''Before 2004''': Science is the human activity of seeking natural explanations for what we observe in the world around us.
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| − | :'''2005''': Science is a systematic method of continuing investigation that uses observations, hypothesis testing, measurement, experimentation, logical argument and theory building to lead to more adequate explanations of natural phenomena. Science does so while maintaining strict empirical standards and healthy skepticism. Scientific explanations are built on observations, hypotheses, and theories. A hypothesis is a testable statement about the natural world that can be used to build more complex inferences and explanations. A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that can incorporate observations, inferences, and tested hypotheses.
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| − | :'''2007''': Science is a human activity of systematically seeking natural explanations for what we observe in the world around us. Throughout history people from many cultures have used the methods of science to contribute to scientific knowledge and technological innovations, making science a worldwide enterprise. Scientists test explanations against the natural world, logically integrating observations and tested hypotheses with accepted explanations to gradually build more reliable and accurate understandings of nature. Scientific explanations must be testable and repeatable, and findings must be confirmed through additional observation and experimentation. As it is practiced in the late 20th and early 21st century, science is restricted to explaining only the natural world, using only natural cause. This is because science currently has no tools to test explanations using non-natural (such as supernatural) causes.
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| − | ==References==
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| − | <references/>
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| − | [[Category:Science| ]]
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