The Core Assumptions of the Scientific Method
1. Nature is Orderly and Understandable: The universe operates with consistent rules and patterns that can be discovered through observation and experimentation.
2. Natural Phenomena Have Natural Explanations: Scientific explanations rely on observable and measurable phenomena, not supernatural or mystical forces.
3. Knowledge is Empirical: Scientific knowledge is based on observations, experiments, and evidence.
4. Scientific Knowledge is Tentative and Subject to Revision: New evidence can challenge and refine existing knowledge.
5. Parsimony (Occam's Razor): The simplest explanation that fits the evidence is usually the best.
The Assumption NOT Part of the Scientific Method
The scientific method does not assume that:
6. Absolute Proof is Attainable: Science doesn't seek to prove things definitively. Instead, it aims to build strong evidence-based explanations that are constantly tested and refined.
Why This Matters
It's important to understand that science is a process of ongoing investigation. It doesn't seek to find the "absolute truth," but rather to develop the most reliable and accurate understanding of the natural world based on the available evidence.
