Chapter 1, Problem 4A

Is a scientific fact something that is absolute and unchanging? Defend your answer.

To determine

To identify: Whether a scientific fact is something that is absolute and unchanging.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Change is the rule of nature. Every theory and fact that came from the aspiring minds of history is not absolute for eternity.

Change is the basic rule of nature. Without change, nothing can blossom. So, facts that are said to be universally accepted right now. They don’t need to remain rigid compared to the upcoming time or another spatial reference frame. For every invention, a basic theory has been devised. But, they don’t need to remain stationary for any upgrade that invention has. It might be possible that scientist may completely deny that basic theory in upgrading it that lead to the invention of that product.

For example, the invention of the airplane caused the downfall of old thinking, old theories that neither humans nor any structure with humans within can fly. But, the invention of the airplane changed old thinking and caused the revolution in which scientists believed to be true. Previously, it was thought that automobiles can only run on fossil fuels such as petrol. But, now they are running on electricity as well without the consumption of a single drop of Petrol.

It also depends on the frame of reference that is chosen to understand the fact. For example, it was believed that Earth is the center of the Universe until scientist Galileo observed more facts and changed the view of humanity that Earth is not the center perhaps, Sun in the center of the solar system only but not the center of universe. Thus, with the additional and improvised facts, this helpsto make corrections in the previously approved absolute and unchanging fact.