Science makes observations, does experiments, follows the scientific method and reaches conclusions based on the evidence. If the theory doesn't fit the facts then the theory must be wrong and scientists modify the theory or abandon it. Scientists try to develop something new if the old theory doesn't fit the facts.
Christian fundamentalism does Bible study reaches conclusions based on the Bible. If the facts don't fit what's in the Bible then the facts must be wrong.
The scientific method[]
- Make observatrions.
- Ask questions.
- Develop a hypothesis
- Do experiments or make further observations to test the hypothesis.
- If the results of the new experiment or observations suggest the hypotheses is right accept the hypothesis.
- If the results of the new experiment or observations show the hypotheses is wrong reject the hypothesis.
See also[]
References[]
- How the Scientific Method Works This isn't by PZ but it explains the scientific method and the section above on the scientific method is based on page 7 of this.
Videos[]
- The incompatibility of science & religion An hour long lecture by PZ Myers