Christianity, Belief & Science SCIENTIFIC METHOD STRENGTHS

Christianity, Belief & Science SCIENTIFIC METHOD STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES

Strengths The scientific method is rational, and objective. It is a logical process which can be repeated by others without their opinions entering into it.

Strengths Scientific theories are continually questioned and modified in the light of new evidence, so they are the best theories we can get. For almost 2000 years the accepted view in the West put the earth at the center of the universe. However, in the 16th century the Polish astronomer Nicolai Copernicus (1473-1543) proposed that the sun was in fact at the center of our solar system.

Strengths It provides us with a way of understanding our world and predicting events. Einstein's theory of relativity predicted the existence of black holes.

Strengths Scientific discoveries provide us with the tools for technological progress. Understanding electricity ha led to significant changes in the way we as human beings live our lives.

Strengths 1. The scientific method is rational, and objective. 2. Scientific theories are continually questioned and modified in the light of new evidence, so they are the best theories we can get. 3. It provides us with a way of understanding our world and predicting events. 4. Scientific discoveries provide us with the tools for technological progress.

Weaknesses Scientists are NOT objective, as humans they have personal ambitions, deadlines, budgets and often work for large corporation who have their own agenda.

Weaknesses Scientists need to INTERPRET the data, which provides room for human error.

Weaknesses The scientific method can NEVER give us 100% proof because it is a process of INDUCTION.

Inductive Reasoning Inductive reasoning goes from general observations to testable theories to scientific laws. Observation: Biological life forms depend on liquid water to exist. Testable theory: All biological life forms that we know of depend on liquid water to exist. Law: All biological life probably depends on liquid water to exist.

Deductive Reasoning Deductive reasoning or deductive logic is the process of reasoning from one or more general statements (premises) to reach a logically certain conclusion. If all premises are true, the terms are clear, and the rules of deductive logic are followed, then the conclusion reached is necessarily true. An example of a deductive argument: All men are mortal. Aristotle is a man. Therefore, Aristotle is mortal.

Weaknesses The scientific method can only tell us about how the things work – it cannot give us information on why things are the way they are.

Weaknesses The scientific method cannot tell us about anything other than physical phenomena – issues of morality, philosophy and religion are outwith the scope of scientific enquiry.

Weaknesses 1. Scientists are NOT objective, as humans they 2. 3. 4. 5. have personal ambitions, deadlines, budgets and often work for large corporation who have their own agenda. Scientists need to INTERPRET the data, which provides room for human error. The scientific method can NEVER give us 100% proof because it is a process of INDUCTION. The scientific method can only tell us about how the things work – it cannot give us information on why things are the way they are. The scientific method cannot tell us about

Task: ‘Scientific method is the only reliable way to uncover the truth.’ To what extent do you agree? 8AE

Question: Explain two limitations of the scientific method. 4AE Give two reasons why scientists may distrust their own methods. 4 AE