Presentation 9a: Introduction to Scientific Reasoning (Phil 1230: Reasoning and Critical Thinking)

Summary

This presentation introduces scientific reasoning, explaining how it is used to explain, predict, and control phenomena in a rational manner. It emphasizes the importance of forming and testing hypotheses in everyday situations, like troubleshooting a malfunctioning cell phone. Scientific reasoning involves theories that offer explanations and predictions, supported by evidence. Theories, whether in advanced science or everyday life, help us understand the world and make predictions. The video clarifies misconceptions about the term 'theory' and outlines how scientific methodology can help in selecting between competing theories.

Takeaways

• 😀 Scientific reasoning helps explain, predict, and control phenomena in a rational way.
• 😀 It is not only used by scientists but also in everyday situations, like diagnosing why a cell phone isn't working.
• 😀 Scientific reasoning involves testing hypotheses and interpreting data to make decisions.
• 😀 When your cell phone isn’t working, you might consider various hypotheses like a dead battery, a system crash, or extreme cold.
• 😀 Scientific reasoning often involves designing simple tests to evaluate hypotheses, even if we don’t call it ‘designing experiments’ in everyday life.
• 😀 Theories are used to explain phenomena and make predictions. These should be supported by evidence.
• 😀 Theories can apply to both complex scientific topics and everyday situations, like the theory that a cell phone’s battery is dead.
• 😀 Predictions can be about the future (e.g., the universe’s expansion), the present, or even the past (called retrodictions).
• 😀 Data or evidence is collected through observations or experiments, and it helps test theories or suggest new ones.
• 😀 The term ‘theory’ should not be confused with ‘hypothesis’—a theory can be well-supported by evidence, unlike the casual use of 'theory' in everyday language.
• 😀 Scientific reasoning requires evaluating competing theories and choosing the one that best fits the available evidence.

Q & A

What is scientific reasoning?

Scientific reasoning is the reasoning used to explain, predict, and control empirical phenomena in a rational manner. It involves designing experiments, testing hypotheses, and interpreting data.

How is scientific reasoning used in everyday life?

Scientific reasoning is used in everyday life when people try to explain or solve problems. For example, when a cell phone isn't working, people might develop hypotheses about the cause, like a dead battery or a system crash, and test these hypotheses.

What is the significance of theories in scientific reasoning?

Theories are statements or models that explain and predict aspects of the world. They help make sense of observations and can be tested through evidence. Scientific reasoning often involves developing and refining theories to explain phenomena.

Can scientific reasoning be applied to mundane problems, like a broken cell phone?

Yes, scientific reasoning can be applied to everyday problems. For example, when a cell phone isn't working, a person might use scientific reasoning to hypothesize about the cause (like a dead battery) and test these hypotheses to solve the problem.

What is the difference between a theory and a hypothesis?

A theory is a well-supported explanation of a phenomenon that has been tested and refined over time. A hypothesis, on the other hand, is a tentative explanation or prediction that is yet to be tested.

What are retrodictions in the context of scientific reasoning?

Retrodictions are predictions about the past. In scientific reasoning, they are used to explain past events based on a theory, such as predicting the existence of a common ancestor between two species.

What role does evidence play in scientific reasoning?

Evidence is information gathered from observations or experiments. It is used to test theories, support them, or show that they are incorrect. Evidence is crucial in refining or rejecting scientific theories.

How does scientific reasoning relate to everyday problem-solving?

Scientific reasoning is a structured way of approaching problems, even in everyday life. For example, when trying to fix a malfunctioning cell phone, one might reason scientifically by forming hypotheses and testing them, similar to the scientific method.

What common misconception about the term 'theory' is addressed in the script?

A common misconception is that 'theory' simply refers to a tentative or untested idea. In science, however, a theory is a well-supported explanation based on substantial evidence, not just an assumption or guess.

What is the next step in understanding scientific reasoning, according to the script?

The next step is to look more closely at scientific methodology, particularly how scientists choose between competing scientific theories. This will be explored in the next two presentations.