Chapter 1.2, Problem 5MI

Summary Introduction

To classify:

The given statements as a characteristic of a science, a pseudoscience, or both.

Introduction:

Science is a process based on enquiry that seeks to develop explanations. It is a body of knowledge based on the study of nature. The nature of science is scientific inquiry- the development of explanations. Pseudoscience try to imitate science but it is not based on scientific research.

Answer to Problem 5MI

The characteristics of the science, and pseudoscience are divided as below:

Science	Both	Pseudoscience
• Makes unbiased observations	• Makes claims about the natural world	• Often driven by cultural or commercial goals
• Physics		• Astrology
• Involves constant reevaluation of what is known		• Research designed to justify existing knowledge
• Bases claims on a large amount of data		• Discards observations that are not consistent with beliefs
• Uses peer review

Explanation of Solution

Science- Science is a body of knowledge based on study of nature. Different branches of science are biology, chemistry, physics and earth science. The nature of science is scientific inquiry- the development of explanations. Scientific inquiry is a creative process and is rooted in unbiased observations and experimentation. It relies on evidences and involves constant reevaluation of large amount of data. Before it is made public, science-based information is reviewed by peers of scientists who are working in the same field of study.

Pseudoscience- Pseudoscience are those areas of study that try to imitate science, often driven by cultural and commercial goals. Common branches of pseudoscience are astrology, horoscopes, psychic reading, tarot card reading and palmistry. It is not supported by scientific explanation. With pseudoscience little research is done and most often it is simply done to justify existing knowledge rather than to extend the base of knowledge.

Both science and pseudoscience make claims about the natural world.