Why Learn Science?
What Is Science?
Science is everything we know about the physical universe and how we know it!
This is a fundamental restatement of the “systemized body of knowledge…” dictionary definition that is typically taught in schools.
This definition makes clear that the power of science comes from understanding both the facts of science and the process people use to discover those facts.
What Is Doing Science All About?
Doing science is all about making sure you’re not fooling yourself!
This gets at the heart of the entire scientific enterprise – each scientist working painstakingly to make sure they aren’t fooling themselves.
We make certain that our students understand that if you don’t know how to make sure you aren’t fooling yourself then you’re certainly more likely to be fooled.
Moreover, we teach our students that cultivating reasoned self-skepticism gives them tremendous advantages in all aspects of their lives.
Science isn’t just one way to understand nature; it’s the best possible approach to understanding the physical universe.
What Makes A Scientist A Scientist?
Always fit theories to facts, never facts to theories!
We all have our own beliefs and unique ways of looking at the world.
Many people, when presented with facts that contradict one of their beliefs, bias their interpretation of the facts to fit what they want to believe.
A true scientist, on the other hand, makes a deep personal commitment to a worldview in which the truth will always be more dear than any belief he or she may currently hold.
A scientist is skeptical of his or her own ideas and opinions and is always willing to change them when presented with credible evidence that demonstrates that their beliefs are incorrect.
