MadSci Network: Science History
Query:

Subject: What criteria unambiguously distinguishes 'science' from 'non-science'?

Date: Mon Dec 27 11:25:55 1999
Posted by David A. Bradbury
Grade level: grad (science) School: Retired
City: Orchard Lake State/Province: MI Country: 48323
Area of science: Science History
ID: 946315555.Sh
Message:

One frequently encounters statements or conclusions that claimed to be 
"scientific". What are the specific defining criteria one should expect to 
be met for the term "scientific" to be legitimately applied? That is, what 
criteria when present uniquely and unambiguously differentiates "science" 
from all other terms -- as speculation, conjecture, etc.  

While there are many contextual variants for the word "science", the one 
most generally understood is "empirical" science ... observable and 
verifiable by the five senses, etc. ... is the one intended here.  Any 
other (lesser?) contextual meaning to be responsibly identified by the 
user.   

Words in science must be precisely defined and clearly understood by all 
parties.  Indeed, if one cannot unambiguously define a term, he should 
not (be allowed to) use it.  I have been surprised at how many 
widely ambiguous and broadly misleading definitions for the term "science" 
are in use today ... and only the scientific community can correct this.


Re: What criteria unambiguously distinguishes 'science' from 'non-science'?

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