Here we flippantly define science in one sentence

[aggle-rithm]

Science is such a huge discipline that it is impossible to define in one simple statement. But in this thread I challenge you to do just that.

I'll start:

Science is the process by which we determine whether we actually know what we think we know.

 

[Cavemonster]

Science is the process of formulating new provisional theories about the world through observation, formulation of hypotheses, and rigorous testing designed to remove bias.

 

[ehcks]

The use of critical thinking, logic, and experimentation to explain the universe?

 

[excaza]

Science is defined here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science.

I like my sentence.

 

[arthwollipot]

Science is the only reliable method of determining what is true.

 

[Wowbagger]

Science is the discipline of acquiring new empirical knowledge.

 

[the PC apeman]

Science is the application of reason to evidence.


Also, science is my preferred epistemology.

 

[Trakar]

Science is the only reliable method of determining what is true.

Science doen's deal in "true," that is the realm of philosophy and religion.

 

[Lamuella]

science is the process of taking your most beloved ideas and bashing them against reality until they are in little pieces, and then examining the little pieces.

 

[Trakar]

Science is a logical categorization of our observations of the universe and the theories we use to understand/categorize those observations.

 

[phildonnia]

It is said that "Reality is the stuff that doesn't go away when you stop believing in it."

Science is the practice of not believing in stuff.

 

[EdipisReks]

Science doen's deal in "true," that is the realm of philosophy and religion.

well, that would really depend on what one means by "true."

 

[paiute]

Science is such a huge discipline that it is impossible to define in one simple statement. But in this thread I challenge you to do just that.

I'll start:

Science is the process by which we determine whether we actually know what we think we know.

Science is a recipe for chocolate chip cookies that taste pretty much the same no matter who bakes them.

 

[ben m]

I like aggle-rithm's definition.

 

[jiggeryqua]

Science is a recipe for chocolate chip cookies that taste pretty much the same no matter who bakes them.

And mother's chocolate chip cookies taste better, but not really better, just imaginary better...can you tell the difference? Science (by that token) is a recipe for uniformity and the suppression of individual experience.

 

[Trakar]

well, that would really depend on what one means by "true."

Which is precisely what makes it a philosophy/religion issue.

It is essentially a "why" question that depends largely upon the baggage, expectations and understandings one brings to the question.

"truth" is one of those issues that are more subjectively human than objectively and universally obvious in nature.

 

[MG1962]

"Thats interesting"

Or subsituted with

"Thats odd"

Or

"Thats not supposed to do that"

 

[Wowbagger]

Science is... like... hard, and stuff! Y'know?! OMG!!

 

[jiggeryqua]

"Thats interesting"

Or subsituted with

"Thats odd"

Or

"Thats not supposed to do that"

That's interesting, but Ugg and I are off to scour the forest for fermented fruit.

That's odd, now, pass the roast mammoth, I'm hungry.

That's not supposed to do that. Back, tides! I command you!

How about "Hold on, why did that happen?" or "Maybe those hunters would stop kicking me if I could do something useful like predict the phases of the moon, and I might even get some attention from the gatherers".

 

[Loss Leader]

Science is craftsmanship, art and beauty - all carefully destroyed.