When a scientist puts on a lab coat and starts taking measurements, it’s nothing but the facts, right? Not quite.
Talking Points:
- Science assumes that nature exists. The existence of the external world is assumed by science – and by most of us as we live our daily lives – yet it is not possible to know with complete certainty whether or not our senses are deceiving us as to the true nature of reality.
- Science assumes nature has an intelligible order that can be known. We have discovered chemical elements that fall into natural groupings which we arrange according to an atomic number. However, this assumes that we can know things in and of themselves.
- Science assumes the existence and applicability of the laws of logic. Scientists borrow from philosophy and use the laws of logic, such as the law of non-contradiction, the law of identity, the law of excluded middle to discuss their own experimental observations, inferences, and conclusions about what is true of the world.
- Science assumes the reliability of our senses to deliver truth about the world. Our senses aren’t reliable indicators of objective truth and it’s possible that our senses intentionally mislead us in order to help us survive.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Do you think it’s true that science is a “worldview”? Why or why not?
- What are some things science can know or demonstrate? What are some things science cannot know or demonstrate?
- Why do you think some people who are practicing scientists or self-described naturalists avoid the idea that they have a worldview or that their perspectives are based on assumptions?
- What do you think is the proper role of science in the pursuit of human knowledge?
- Why is it important for all of us to recognize our biases and presuppositions? Explain.
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
