Science and reality
definition, forces outside of nature. Therefore, science cannot give answers for them. Finally, science cannot explain itself (Okasha, 2016, p.49). For something to be explained, another thing must be introduced into the equation. For instance, Albert Einstein’s special theory of relativity explains how speed affects mass, time, and space, but what explains the special theory of relativity? As nothing can explain itself, many scientific theories like the theory of relativity may remain unexplained ( ibid. ). A lot of these elements are vital parts of the lived realities of many people, and science is not best equipped to provide guidance in these matters. Nevertheless, science does not have to be able to explain everything to be a good guide to reality. As already discussed, science has already significantly enhanced human understanding of the world, especially in the past few centuries. This has led to longer life expectancy, better treatment for diseases, and many new inventions that improved the quality of life of people. Going forward, most cutting-edge research that aims to further improve human understanding and knowledge, from building electric modes of transport, constructing sustainable energy systems, developing artificial intelligence, to understanding stars, galaxies, and space travel, are all built on existing knowledge from scientific inquiry. More importantly, they also apply the same principles when trying to test hypotheses, analyse data, and find solutions to problems. Science is not the only way of knowing, but it may be the way of knowing that carries the best chance of making significant breakthroughs in changing the way we live. In conclusion, I think that science has already helped humanity navigate through pandemics and other significant changes in the world. Given what it has already achieved, science is the best tool available to humanity to guide us in understanding reality going forward. The scientific method requires careful observation and testing, which then provides logical conclusions. Different people can follow the same methodology to test existing knowledge and build on what we already know, to expand humanity’s understanding of reality. Scientific knowledge alone cannot solve the most pressing issues that humans face, but, in my opinion, the combination of scientific knowledge, the desire to use scientific method to understand the world, and moral courage to do the right thing given the results of the inquiry, will improve the lives of people.
References
Berkeley University of California (2024a). Science aims to explain and understand – understanding science. Available at: https://undsci.berkeley.edu/understanding-science101/what-is- science/science-aims-to-explain-and-understand/ (Accessed 24 March 2024) Berkeley University of California (2024b). Science has limits: a few things that science cannot do – understanding science. Available at: https://undsci.berkeley.edu/understandingscience- 101/what-is-science/science-has-limits-a-few-things-that-science-does-not-do/ (Accessed 24 March 2024) Bird, K., Sherwin, M. J. (2005). American prometheus the triumph and tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer. London, Atlantic Books. Britannica (2024). Scientific method |definition, steps & application. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/science/scientific-method (Accessed 24 March 2024)
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