Science and ReligionScience and Religion

The scientific methodThe scientific method

Francis Bacon (1561-1626) Francis Bacon (1561-1626) The scientific method was made popular by Francis Bacon a Christian who thought;

Science = a book of Gods worksand

The Bible = a book of Gods words

What is the scientific method?What is the scientific method?

• The scientific method is based on evidence and experiments

• Based on the desire to challenge and evaluate all truth claims

• Pre-supposes the world is intelligible and orderly.

So…So…

• 1. Observe some aspect of the universe.

2.2. Invent a tentative description, called a Invent a tentative description, called a hypothesishypothesis, that is , that is

consistent with what you have observed.consistent with what you have observed.

3.3. Use the hypothesis to make Use the hypothesis to make predictions. predictions.

4.4. Test those predictions by experiments or further Test those predictions by experiments or further observations and modify the hypothesis in the light observations and modify the hypothesis in the light

of your results.of your results.

5.5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until there are no discrepancies Repeat steps 3 and 4 until there are no discrepancies

between theory and experiment and/or observation.between theory and experiment and/or observation.

In what ways is the Scientific In what ways is the Scientific method limited?method limited?

• It is fallible

• Limited objectivity

• Scientist is human

• Based on assumption

• Contains guesswork

• Reliability

• Tentative

A theory is only considered correct at that A theory is only considered correct at that moment in time based on the evidence moment in time based on the evidence

available. It can be changed. Sometimes available. It can be changed. Sometimes when we collect out data our senses can when we collect out data our senses can

deceive us.deceive us.

But remember…