Thursday, July 28, 2011

Science IS infallible!

Science doesn't draw conclusions, Humans do.

Scientific method refers to a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. To be termed scientific, a method of inquiry must be based on gathering empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. The Oxford English Dictionary says that scientific method is: "a method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses."
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method

in·fal·li·ble adj \(ˌ)in-ˈfa-lə-bəl\
Definition of INFALLIBLE
1: incapable of error : unerring
2: not liable to mislead, deceive, or disappoint : certain
3: incapable of error in defining doctrines touching faith or morals
source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infallible



Science relies on the Scientific Method to define the contents of it's structure. Any scientific method that can truly be called scientific contains structure for error correction. Fully understanding this lends that only a static view of science can be fallible. The ongoing nature of time and built in error mitigating dynamics of true scientific methods make science self correcting. This ensure that what may be incorrect now in science will be reviewed and corrected over time. Fallibility is temporary in these instances, which truly makes Science infallible.