How Does Science Happen?

Science is the systematic process by which an individual or group discovers and measures data in the scientific, technological, medical, economic, social, and ecological arenas with the intent of understanding these observations and theories. Science is an ever-evolving field that builds and organises knowledge in the form of predictions and testable predictions about the natural world. The accumulated knowledge from past scientific discoveries form the basis of the scientific method. In order for science to advance to new frontiers of knowledge, it must be able to apply scientific methods to new and potentially more-appealing areas. This is what sets it apart from many other fields of endeavour.

The scientific method has three main principles that underpin how science relates to nature. Firstly, observation and research are the main drivers behind science. Secondly, observations and research are performed using scientific instruments to collect data and compare samples with observed patterns and relationships. Thirdly, the results of the scientific methods are then examined and interpreted to determine whether there is solid evidence to support or disprove a hypothesis.

Science attempts to answer questions by investigating the nature of the physical world around us with an eye towards discovering general laws that are universal and consistent across all objects. General laws can be used to explain the behaviour of matter, the properties of space and time and the properties of gravity. General laws are a description of how the world works without reference to any individual object. The primary purpose of science is to describe and attempt to control the general laws of nature and how this will affect future knowledge gained.

One of the most influential theories of science is the theory of evolution. The principle of evolution states that all living things, including plants and animals, are descended from a common ancestor and through evolution have managed to become independent of each other. The origin of life on earth has been explained by the scientists through the process of natural selection. Evidence provided by fossils, genetic tests and the fossils themselves support this principle.

Another well supported scientific theory is that of gravity. The scientists have explained gravity as the effect of centrifugal force on particles. Particles of a lower weight tend to fall down while those of higher weights continue to rise. Astronomy and space exploration prove that general laws of gravity do indeed exist. The existence of satellites orbiting the earth and other space vehicles show that our knowledge of the universe is indeed vast.

The process of science is an ever evolving discipline that continues to acquire more facts and become more exact in its reasoning. As the days go by there will be more theories that will be tested and new discoveries made. While the scope of science is far reaching it is also bound to remain subjective. Subjective knowledge only allows for what the individual sees and knows to be real. Science as a whole may not always agree but the facts are ultimately irrefutable.

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