Doesn science make assumptions about the natural world?
Yes. Science is based on several underlying assumptions. • We assume that the world is real. The physical universe really does exist as we perceive it to. In other words, it is not just a figment of our imagination. • We assume that natural processes are sufficient to explain the natural world. Whether they truly are sufficient is clearly unknowable, but in order for science to function productively, we assume that there is always a natural explanation for natural events. • We assume that humans can accurately perceive and understand the physical universe. In order for science to continue to advance, we must assume that such understanding is possible. • We assume that nature operates the same way everywhere in the universe, and at all times, except where we have contrary evidence. This is sometimes called the “principle of uniformity.
Yes. Science is based on several underlying assumptions. • We assume that the world is real. The physical universe really does exist as we perceive it to. In other words, it is not just a figment of our imagination. • We assume that natural processes are sufficient to explain the natural world. Whether they truly are sufficient is clearly unknowable, but in order for science to function productively, we assume that there is always a natural explanation for natural events. • We assume that humans can accurately perceive and understand the physical universe. In order for science to continue to advance, we must assume that such understanding is possible. • We assume that nature operates the same way everywhere in the universe, and at all times, except where we have contrary evidence.
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