Science

From Srafopedia

Science, in the broadest sense of the term, refers to any system of knowledge attained by verifiable means. In a more restricted sense, science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge based on:

• observable phenomena (empiricism);
• experimentation; and
• methodological naturalism;

as well as to the organized body of knowledge humans have gained by such research, i.e.

• past experience.

Scientists maintain that scientific investigation must adhere to the scientific method, a process for properly developing and evaluating natural explanations for observable phenomena based on empirical study and independent verification. Science typically, therefore, rejects:

• supernatural explanations;
• arguments from authority; and
• biased observational studies.

Fields of science are commonly classified along two major lines:

• Natural sciences, which study natural phenomena; and
• Social sciences, which study human behavior and societies.

Whether mathematics is a science is a matter of perspective.

Fields of science can be further distinguished as pure science or applied science. Pure science is principally involved with the discovery of new truths with less (or no) regard to their applications. Applied science is principally involved with the application of existing truths in new ways.

(Source: Wikipedia Science Portal)