Sunday, October 30, 2011

FACTS ARE THE MOST ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE

What is a fact? A fact is knowledge or information based on real occurrences.

Science is the most reliable collection of facts.

What is science? Science is the observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena.

The most reliable method for discovering a fact is the scientific method.

What is the scientific method?  The scientific method include the principles and empirical processes of discovery and demonstration considered characteristic of or necessary for scientific investigation, generally involving the observation of phenomena, the formulation of a hypothesis concerning the phenomena, experimentation to demonstrate the truth or falseness of the hypothesis, and a conclusion that validates or modifies the hypothesis.

What is a hypothesis? A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation.

What is a theory?  A theory is a set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena.

Theory and experiment work together in science, with experiments leading to new theories that in turn suggest further experiments. Although these methods and attitudes are generally shared by scientists, they do not provide a guaranteed means of scientific discovery; other factors, such as intuition, experience, good judgment, and sometimes luck, also contribute to new developments in science.

Mathematics plays an important role in science.

What is the role of mathematics in science?  All of the activities of the scientific method are characterized by a scientific attitude, which stresses rational impartiality. Measurement plays an important role, and when possible the scientist attempts to test his theories by carefully designed and controlled experiments that will yield quantitative rather than qualitative results.