What is Science?
Believe the Science! Believe the Science! Believe the Science!
Well, if believing the science is so important, perhaps we should define exactly what science is. Most of us think we have a good idea what science is, don’t we? Isn’t it the study of our world using empirical data to form hypothesis, which are then tested to prove their validity? After these tests can repetitively yield the same results when performed by multiple groups of qualified people we can begin to refer to the hypothesis as ‘knowledge’. Knowledge means that we have a very high degeree of trust that systems will behave in a certain way.
Somehow, this relatively simple, straight-forward, concept has been co-opted and used for topics that, in my view, are not science. Please read through all the variations and examples in these definitions. Of note:
1) I doubt that a legitimate scientist would ever refer to anything as a “truth”. Scientists don’t deal in truths. They deal in the most current level of our knowledge, always allowing that addiotional data and testing will cause this knowledge to evolve.
2) “The science of ‘Theology’”, since when is religion science?
According to Wikipedia:
Science is a systematic discipline that builds and organises knowledge in the form of testable hypotheses and predictions about the world. Modern science is typically divided into two or three major branches:
1)the natural sciences (e.g., physics, chemistry, and biology), which study the physical world;
2)the behavioural sciences (e.g., economics, psychology, and sociology), which study individuals and societies.
3) The formal sciences (e.g., logic, mathematics, and theoretical computer science), which study formal systems governed by axioms and rules, are sometimes described as being sciences as well; however, they are often regarded as a separate field because they rely on deductive reasoning instead of the scientific method or empirical evidence as their main methodology.
Applied sciences are disciplines that use scientific knowledge for practical purposes, such as engineering and medicine.
According to Vocabulary.Com
Science is the field of study concerned with discovering and describing the world around us by observing and experimenting. Biology, chemistry, and physics are all branches of science.
Science is an "empirical" field, that is, it develops a body of knowledge by observing things and performing experiments. The meticulous process of gathering and analyzing data is called the "scientific method," and we sometimes use science to describe the knowledge we already have. Science is also what's involved in the performance of something complicated: "the science of making a perfect soufflé."noun
1) a branch of study or knowledge involving the observation, investigation, and discovery of general laws or truths that can be tested systematically
2) the sciences involved in the study of the physical world and its phenomena
3) a particular branch of scientific knowledge, such as: “the science of genetics”
4) systematic method or organized body of knowledge relating to some topic or field
5) ability to produce solutions in some problem domain, such as: “the sweet science of pugilism”
According to Mirriam-Webster
sci·ence ˈsī-ən(t)s
1 a: knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific method
b: such knowledge or such a system of knowledge concerned with the physical world and its phenomena : natural science
2 a: a department of systematized knowledge as an object of study, such as: the science of theology
b: something (such as a sport or technique) that may be studied or learned like systematized knowledge, “have it down to a science”
3 : a system or method reconciling practical ends with scientific laws, such as: “cooking is both a science and an art”
4 capitalized : christian science: : a religion founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1866 that was organized under the official name of the Church of Christ, Scientist, that derives its teachings from the Scriptures as understood by its adherents, and that includes a practice of spiritual healing.
5 : the state of knowing : knowledge as distinguished from ignorance or misunderstanding
According to Cambridge Dictionary of English
1) (knowledge from) the careful study of the structure and behavior of the physical world, especially by watching, measuring, and doing experiments, and the development of theories to describe the results of these activities:
recent developments in science and technology
Space travel is one of the marvels/wonders of modern science.
2) the science: the facts and opinions that are provided by scientists who have studied a particular subject or situation: Examples:
We spoke with a few dietitians to help us understand what the science tells us about celery juice and your health.
The governor insisted that the state would follow the science with regard to the wearing of face masks.
3) a particular subject that is studied using scientific methods: Examples:
4)the study of science:
science | Intermediate English
1) the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the natural and physical world, or knowledge obtained about the world by watching it carefully and experimenting:
2) Sciences are also particular areas of science, such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
3) Science also refers to subjects which are studied like a science:
science | Business English
1) the careful study of the structure and behaviour of the world, especially by doing experiments:
Advances in science and technology are opening the way for new treatments.
3) a subject that is studied using scientific methods: medical/forensic science