Nature+of+science

=**Reflection: Nature of Science**=

Everything about science has been speculated since its arrival. As far back as we know, people have questioned what they are told. Ideas such as what’s the center of the universe, between Aristotle and Copernicus have been debated. To more present time, 20th century, ideas of how continents formed, with Alfred Wegner and Harry Hess. All of which new developments have unfolded great theories. To a scientist this is what science is. It’s everlasting curiosity, tentative inquiries, and objective experimentation.

One of the most important concepts of science is to understand that ideas are constantly challenged, and infinitely evolving. New ideas, and evidence are endless, because everything evolves, even humans and the way that they view things. This can also lead to confusion and misconception, especially to the general public, which are not as familiar with the science world. For instance many “non-science” people will view a fact as reality, and a theory as loose speculation, or guess work. (As stated in Webster’s dictionary) As for someone who truly understands the logic behind these statements understand that a theory is much stronger, because it’s an explanation on a broad scope, and is supported with large bodies of evidence. Whereas a fact can change on a whim, it’s more of an agreement amongst scientist on what an individual idea is based. For example the most recent fact that Pluto is no longer considered a planet, but a star instead, and without a proper explanation may lead to many misconceptions. Unfortunately due to the fact that most scientific data is not easily accessible to the public, makes it much harder for people to understand the concepts that go along with the changes.

Through providing enough evidence we can use the theory to make scientific-statements. Without the evidence to back it up it’s a non-scientific statement. This is very common amongst pseudosciences and religion. These groups make observations on what they see and their own opinions. This is much like the idea of Santa Claus, where you can’t disprove a negative. Other words, there is no evidence provided either way. Though many people claim to have all the facts, we now know that the facts can always change. The main difference between science, and these is the large amounts of evidence provided through scientific research. The questions left unanswered may never be answered.

All though many people believe that science is for the nerds, or highly educated people, science is everywhere. It’s in your daily routine, from what you where, to what you eat. Scientists are men, women, and children, and there’s no stopping it. Just remember to collect all the evidence, before you make your conclusions.