Transcript ppt: more NoS stuff

Fact, Hypothesis, Law, Theory
• Fact = a stated observation
• Hypothesis = a proposition that may
be investigated
• Law or Principle = a description of
observable phenomena
• Theory = an explanation based on
extensive evidence
Continental
Drift
to
Plate Tectonics
The Borderlands of Science
Shermer, (2001)
• Normal Science
– Empirical claims
– Vast body of evidence
• Borderland Science
– Empirical work
– Growing body of evidence
• Pseudoscience
– Fake science disguised as
normal science
– Lacks evidence
10 different areas of inquiry:
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Acupuncture
Astrology
Big Bang
Big Foot
Chiropractic
• Heliocentrism
• Hypnosis
• Neurophysiology of
Brain Function
• Punctuated
Equilibrium
• Search for
Extraterrestrial
Intelligence (SETI)
The Borderlands of Science
Shermer, (2001)
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Heliocentrism, .9
Neurophysiology of Brain Function, .8
Punctuated equilibrium, .7 ……normal science
SETI, Hypnosis, .5
Chiropractic, .4 ……………borderland science
Acupuncture, .3
Astrology, Big Foot, .1 ………pseudoscience
Activity: Draw a Scientist
Take a few minutes with a pencil and
paper and draw a scientist at work.
Draw a Scientist?
What’s the point?
Scoring: (1 point for any of the following:
lower score is a higher rating)
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labcoat
eyeglasses
facial hair
symbols of research - test tubes, flask
symbols of knowledge - books, filing cabinet
sign of technology - solutions, machines
captions - Eureka, I’ve got it!!!
male
signs/labeling - Fire, Danger, Poison
pencils and pens in pocket protector
unkempt appearance
Science, Art, Religion
Three ways that humans experience and express:
art, science, and religion.
Art
Religion
Science
Helps us reflect.
Asks “Why?”
Asks “How?”
Allows us to
express the best
of our humanity
Deals with
ultimate
purpose,
wisdom &
belief
Search for
patterns, builds
explanations on
evidence