John R. Hoffman is a Professor of Biology, public speaker and a scientist examining the recovery of the nervous system after injury. Since 2006 he has written several unpublished manuscripts and he is currently working on the first Nathaniel Smythe novel and short story collection. He spends his spare time with his family and running.

04 What is this thing called Science?

Objectives:
By the end of this lecture, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe how science is different from other ways of explaining the world.
  2. Explain the different approaches that scientists use in studying the world.

What is Science

This mini-lecture give a brief introduction to the field of science.  The handout for this presentation can be downloaded and printed.

Readings

Understanding Science: How Science Really Works. UC Museum of Paleontology of the University of California at Berkeley, in collaboration with a diverse group of scientists and teachers, and funded by the National Science Foundation.

I. Understanding Science

II. What is Science

V. The Social Side of Science

VI. Science and Society

Assignment: What constitutes a scientific controversy?

In your small discussion group:
1. Each member of the group should find an example of an online news article where scientific controversies are mentioned (include the link to the article in your post).
2. Other members of the group should find and post examples of reliable and unreliable resources related to each controversy.
3. Discuss the validity of the claim of controversy.

Previous: 03 – Introduction to Philosophy

Next: 05 – Thinking and Acting as a Scientist