I noticed that I left something out of the definition of science
(presented in the post I just sent off) that should have been included.
I reproduce the definition below with the correction enclosed in
asterisks:
----------------------
What is science?
A group of activities designed to lead to the development of reliable
knowledge claims about natural events (events that are either directly
observed or inferred from observations). These activities primarily
involve observing natural events and interpreting these observations as
evidence that either supports or fails to support knowledge claims. **In
developing knowledge claims, attempts are made to make them internally
and externally coherent (that is, they should not show internal
inconsistencies and they should be consistent with other well-supported
claims).** In gathering empirical evidence to test these knowledge
claims, attempts are made to control for known or suspected sources of
error both in making observations and in interpreting them with regard
to the knowledge claims. There are two ultimate goals for these
activities: (1) the understanding (in terms of causes) of the natural
events being investigated and (2) the modification of either these
natural events or other events associated with them.
-----------------------
This additional aspect of science also would be controversial (along
with the controls): there can be much disagreement about the coherence
of theories. This is especially true (I think) with regard to
inconsistencies with other relevant claims: some people might prefer to
reject these other claims (based on various rationales) rather than to
try to make their own claims more consistent with them. Those developing
theories that are often thought of as pseudoscientific do this quite
often, I think.
Jeff
--
Jeffry P. Ricker, Ph.D. Office Phone: (480) 423-6213
9000 E. Chaparral Rd. FAX Number: (480) 423-6298
Psychology Department [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale, AZ 85256-2626
"The truth is rare and never simple."
Oscar Wilde
"Science must begin with myths and with the criticism of myths"
Karl Popper
