GNED 1101: Scientific and Mathematical Literacy For the Modern World

Understanding Math and Science

• Key Relationship:

  • Science employs mathematical language.

  • Scientific understanding requires numeracy.

  • Mathematics aids in comprehending various scientific concepts (e.g., computing earthquake magnitudes).

What is Science?

• Definition:

  • A process of inquiry and a body of knowledge resulting from this inquiry.

  • Aims to make sense of and understand the world, serving as a specific worldview.

• Worldview Descriptions:

  • Collins' definition: The framework by which one interprets various aspects related to politics, philosophy, and religion.

  • Description by Gray (2011): A collection of experiences, attitudes, and narratives regarding the world absorbed from society and upbringing.

Limitations of Science as a Worldview

• Recognizes that a scientific worldview does not provide answers for all questions, like moral, existential, or spiritual inquiries (e.g., "What is the meaning of life?").

Science is About Disproving Hypotheses

• Core Principle:

  • Scientific theories are supported or not supported by data, never definitively proven true.

  • Claim: "It is impossible to arrive at a universally true conclusion from a limited range of observations."

  • Emphasis on the evolving nature of scientific theories with future data potentially overturning existing theories.

Scientific Knowledge Changes

• Nature of Knowledge:

  • Scientific understanding is dynamic as new information emerges.

  • Scientists must be iterative and adaptable, revising theories in light of new data.

Technology and Its Relationship to Science

• Definition of Technology:

  • The application of scientific knowledge to solve practical problems.

  • Often evolves from scientific discoveries (Example: Nuclear fission leading to power plants).

  • Technology can enable scientific advancements (e.g., microscopy leading to microbiology).

• Examples of Technology:

  • Microscopes, computers, seismographs, telephones, televisions, the Internet, and cell phones.

What is Pseudoscience?

• Definition:

  • Any claims presented as scientific without being based on scientific principles.

  • Merriam-Webster's Definition: "A system of theories, assumptions, and methods erroneously regarded as scientific."

• Characterization:

  • Often employs vague, exaggerated claims or relies on anecdotal evidence.

Evidence Pyramid

• Scientific vs. Pseudoscientific Claims:

  • Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses place at the top (Science) versus anecdotal claims which are at the bottom (Pseudoscience).

Techniques for Promoting Pseudoscience

• Key Strategies:

  • Engage credibility through commitment.

  • Use vague, broad claims and promise easy solutions or miraculous cures.

  • Employ anecdotes as evidence; categorize criticism as conspiratorial suppression of truth.

Examples of Pseudoscience

• Common examples include:

  • Astrology, Creation science, Homeopathy, Faith healing, Crystal healing, Anti-aging creams, Moon landing conspiracies, Flat-earth belief, and fad diets.

Reasons for Belief in Pseudoscience

• Key Factors:

  • The placebo effect and reliance on anecdotal evidence.

Placebo Effect Explained

• Definition (Oxford Languages):

  • A placebo is a harmless treatment prescribed more for psychological benefits than physiological ones.

• Concept of the Placebo Effect:

  • Refers to any observed psychological or physical change resulting from a placebo's usage; belief can influence perceived outcomes.

Unreliability of Anecdotal Evidence

• Anecdotes Defined:

  • Personal stories that represent uncontrolled observations, subjective, and open to biases.

• Concerns:

  • Anecdotes are compelling and relatable but fail to consider hidden variables influencing results.

  • Examples of such variables include regression to the mean, confirmation bias, placebo effects, among others.

Correlation vs Causation

• Understanding Correlation:

  • Correlation indicates a pattern between two variables but does not imply a causal relationship.

• Example:

  • Correlation between shoe size and reading ability does not mean larger shoe sizes cause better reading skills; age may be the linking variable.

Misinterpretations of Correlation

• Common Misconceptions:

  • Correlation does not equal causation.

  • Highlighted Examples:

  • High margarine consumption linked to rising divorce rates does not substantiate margarine causes divorce.

  • Discussion on correlations such as the number of pirates correlating with global temperatures and its implications.

Scientific Correlations Misunderstood as Causations

• Specific cases include:

  • Correlation between cell phones and cancer rates.

  • Connections drawn from cell towers to bee population declines.

  • Claims associating MMR vaccines with autism spectrum disorder.