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by Sheepingly needs no handy men only hugs on August 19th, 2007

Sheepingly needs no handy men only hugs

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Since all science is inductive (based on limited observation of patterns), to what extent does science prove anything? Are all scientific conclusions ultimately reducible to theoretical speculation? If so, how can we ever speak of causes in nature?

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Answers. 4 helpful answers below.

  • by Glenn Blaylock on August 19th, 2007

    Glenn Blaylock

    See my answer to this question (http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/16188). If you don't want a religious discussion, then skip the second paragraph.

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  • by Just another bagger on August 19th, 2007

    Just another bagger

    I know...! Its a real bummer isnt it!

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  • by ChaiCustard on August 19th, 2007

    ChaiCustard

    I prefer to think of the science we experience, as being the human approximation of this perfect theoretical, induction based science you speak of.
    Since we all realize its not perfect, then the language we use when expressing it doesnt really matter. (Goal of science is to progress knowledge, not be 'perfectly-defined').
    In this case, the terms 'proof' and 'cause' arent absolutes, but concepts we aim to meet.
    (BTW - this might be better in philosophy?)

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  • by xprofessor on August 11th, 2011

    xprofessor

    "All science is inductive."
    Not so. The scientific method combines physical observation with DEDUCTIVE reasoning, allowing facts and laws to be established with high levels of confidence ("proof"). The INDUCTIVE part comes into play when formulating new hypotheses, i.e., making educated guesses about the outcomes of future observations, based on what's already known. Then the cycle starts all over again, and knowledge of the world is built and fitted together piece by piece...

    Don't confuse the scientific meaning of "theory" (systematic rules to account for many observations) with the everyday meaning of theory as "unproven speculation." The theory of gravitation, for example, is also a fact.

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