Science, Scientific theory, & Theory of science

Science

Production of knowledge using systematic methods.

Organized knowledge

Systematic and methodical gathering of knowledge in a specific area.

Epistemology

Theory of knowledge.

Knowledge

Facts without methods.

Empirics

Scientific research methods such as experiments and observations used to test theories and models.

Research requirements

New research must build on previous research for knowledge development.

Scientific language

Research must utilize specific terms and concepts.

Empiricism

Research based on observations of reality.

Systematic investigation

Research must conduct honest and methodical investigations.

Objectivity

Research must be researcher-independent, transparent, and value-free.

Generalizing research

Must seek to explain patterns and connections across phenomena.

Bad science

Research that does not follow established scientific steps.

Hypothesis

An assumption about reality that starts scientific inquiry.

Theory

A tool to help understand surroundings, validated until refuted.

Falsifiability

Karl Popper's principle that scientific theories should be testable and refutable.

Scientific methods

Qualitative and quantitative approaches to research.

Demarcation problem

The challenge of defining what constitutes knowledge.

Induction

A method of reasoning based on empirical evidence.

Deduction

A method of reasoning based on rational principles.

Sociology

The study of relationships between people.

Political science

The study of political decision-making and organization of society.

Economics

The study of resource use, production, and consumption.

Geography

The study of the relationship between humans and nature.

Facts

Claims about reality, e.g., population growth statistics.

Concepts

Words with specific meanings that define and describe phenomena.

Model

A representation of relationships, e.g., supply and demand curves.

Theory

Predictions about future events and explanations of social phenomena.

Truth

The evolving understanding of what constitutes scientific truth.

Correspondence

A criterion for truth that aligns with actual circumstances and evidence.

Coherence

A criterion for truth based on logical consistency and support from existing knowledge.

Authority

Reliance on experts or historical figures to substantiate claims.

Tradition

Beliefs that are widely accepted due to historical consensus.

Pragmatic contentions

Beliefs based on the practical usefulness of a contention.