5. What is science? (by Gervais Mbarga and Jean-Marc Fleury)
5.1 Introduction
Science has transformed our modern world deeply and spectacularly. Science has shaken up every walk of life so much that it is impossible to escape its grasp, for better or worse.
In this lesson, we will discover what science is. First, we will review the basic principles and means that have made science the best way to define reality (Section 5.2). We will then introduce to you a few 20th century thinkers that have highlighted the limits and dangers of science (Section 5.3). We will end the lesson with a look at very specific aspects of science as it is practiced today (Section 5.4).
By the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
- Understand what science is and what it is not;
- Be aware of its strengths but also of its limitations; and
- Ask its practitioners questions about its quality, with aplomb.
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