6 basic principles of science

Basic Principles of Science

Empiricism, Uniformitarianism, Parsimony, Uncertainty, Repeatability, Proof is elusive, Testable questions

Empiricism

We can learn about the world by careful observation of empirical (real, observable) phenomena; we can expect to understand fundamental processes and natural laws by observation

Uniformitarianism

Basic patterns and processes are uniform across time and space; the forces at work today are the same as those that shaped the world in the past, and they will continue to do so in the future

Parsimony

When two plausible explanations are equally reasonable, the simpler (more parsimonious) one is preferable. This rule is also known as Ockham’s razor, after the English philosopher who proposed it.

Uncertainty

Knowledge changes as new evidence appears, and explanations (theories) change with new evidence. Theories based on current evidence should be tested on additional evidence, with the understanding that new data may disprove the best theories

Repeatability

Tests and experiments should be repeatable; if the same results cannot be reproduced, then the conclusions are probably incorrect.

Proof is elusive

We rarely expect science to provide absolute proof that a theory is correct, because new evidence may always undermine our current understanding.

Testable questions

To find out whether a theory is correct, it must be tested; we formulate testable statements (hypotheses) to test theories.