The Quest for Knowledge

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In order to be convinced by a statement, I require solid evidence that yields the truth of that statement. Upon speculating how to go about finding this evidence, I examine how the rest of society does so. A vast amount of credit is given toward theories found in the human and natural sciences. Scientists are recognized as authoritative figures with the recent development of inventions, medicine and scientific discoveries in the past century. This poses the question of how science has influenced and shaped the world with the credibility of its theories. This knowledge issue will be studied by analyzing how these two areas of knowledge approach a conclusion, assessing common reasons for high value placement of scientific theories, comparing science to another area of knowledge, and exploring problems with this method of gaining knowledge. I shall attempt to explain why and to what extent scientific theories are convincing to the general world.

Natural sciences and human sciences possess different approaches to arriving at a conclusion. Natural sciences use the “scientific method”. We trust natural scientists to reason while asking a question, perform background research, construct a hypothesis, test said hypothesis through experimentation, review data to draw a conclusion, and communicate the results. A widely known example of previous natural sciences: the Catholic Church deemed the earth as the center of the universe for hundreds of years. However, human scientists use a different approach. While water can undoubtedly be expected to freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, humans do not show a definite pattern of behavior. Studies in human sciences cannot be investigated solely through means of sensory perception as natural sciences. H...

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...d for these theories is to provide knowers with a basic set of ideas on which they can base their set of beliefs and lifestyles. Although, one must be careful as to how much credibility he/she places on theories of science. Scientific theories are not the ultimate truth and can lead to many misconceptions. One must learn to question, reason, and investigate on their own in order to avoid being led astray by science.

Works Cited

1. "Steps of the Scientific Method." Science Fair Project Ideas, Answers, & Tools. Web. 14 Dec. 2011. .

2. "Heliocentric." Vibrationdata. Web. 14 Dec. 2011. .

3. "Geocentric Theory." Universe Today — Space and Astronomy News. Web. 14 Dec. 2011. .

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