BIOL 204
Lecture Outline 1 – Introduction to Science
Learning Objectives:
Identify what
science
is and is not
Distinguish between scientific
facts
,
hypotheses
,
theories
, and
laws
Explain and be able to use the
hypothetico-deductive approach
to
science
I.
What is science?
a.
Although we tend to treat science as a body of facts, science is
dynamic – it’s always changing!
“Modern science seeks to explain natural phenomena in natural terms.”
- National Center for Science Education
b.
Naturalism
– there is a difference between methodological
naturalism and philosophical naturalism; without the voluntary
methodoligcal constraint, science loses its explanatory power
c.
Common currency of science is observation and hypothesis
d.
Attributes of Science:
i.
Testable
ii.
Repeatable
iii.
Falsifiable
e.
Science and Semantics
i.
Fact
– observation that has been repeatedly confirmed
ii.
Hypothesis
– tentative statement about a natural
phenomenon that can be tested
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- Spring '11
- Hedin,Berta
- Biology
-
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