Friday, May 16, 2008

Misconceptions regarding Science

There are a number of common misconceptions regarding science and the scientific method. Both proponents and opponents of science fall into these traps.

Very simplistically the key points can be summarised as:
  • science is not equivalent to reductionism
  • holism is not equivalent to mysticism
  • creativity is not equivalent to art
Together with:
  • the scientific process is fundamentally creative
  • the scientific process includes both reductionism and holism
Many fields, and indeed humanity as a whole, would benefit greatly from realising that an unnecessary wedge has been driven in between reductionist though and holistic thought. Both of these modes are essential for a thorough and complete analysis or any field, and both benefit by being brought together with the rigour and openness afforded by the scientific method.

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