Life's Scientific Method

When we talk of role models, we are typically thinking of a person, such as a sports hero, culture icon, or revolutionary. A role model is someone you try to emulate, to use his or her values to develop and tweak your own. I have many people (in all the categories previously listed and more) that I look up to and take character traits or compelling ideals from and try to apply them to myself and/or my life. Despite having a queue of these role models at my disposal, after becoming involved more in science and expanding my scientific knowledge and prowess, I began to realize that even the most basic principles of science were applicable to everyday life and shaped my character and the way I strive to live.

            In 1981, Arkansas’ governor enacted the Balanced Treatment for Creation-Science and Evolution-Science Act (Act 590 of 1981), claiming creation-science as a valid science. This was met with shock and awe to people within and outside of the scientific community. This sparked a lawsuit where the characteristics of science were declared.

1. It is guided by natural law.

 2. It must be explanatory by reference to natural law.

 3. Its conjectures are testable against the empirical world.

4. Its conclusions are tentative and not necessarily the final word.

5. It is falsifiable.

Although the above are just one judges opinion, they do describe the scientific basics sufficiently. Science is a discipline based on the curiosity of people and the desire to simply just “know”. This non-complicated principle of science has had the most profound effect on me. I think of curiosity as a constant drive, a motivator. I have always been interested by the world around me and as I delve more and more into it, the more mesmerizing it becomes! This curiosity doesn’t just apply to science though, but rather encourages me to broaden my horizons and learn about different places and topics (this can almost be a vice because I often find myself teetering on the “spread to thin” precipice). Science has also given me hope that there is always a way to find an answer or to work away around a problem. Science uses the world to explain itself. There is no supernatural intervention and science takes no religious position. This gives me confidence that I am in control of my life, and that there isn’t a deity or a fate to follow. Each person has their path determined by them alone.

            Finally, science has taught me respect and humility. Learning about the intricacies of evolution and metabolic process has shown me that symbiosis is necessary for survival and daily life. People must respect each other and the world. As Pinker says, the basis of a “just me” morality is absurd, people need to recognize one another’s beings and accept each other. So many parts of the world we live in is crucial to our life cycle, yet we are negligent and destroy it? If we are the most advanced species on the planet we need to embrace that gift and take the opportunity to nurture our vital world rather than brutalize it. Humility is taken from the last two principles. Interaction with your peers in science is a vital part of the job. Lewontin states that scientists are only individuals concerned about confronting nature rather than collaborating with their fellow scientists, the government, or the people. This is a wildly inaccurate claim. Science has always involved collaboration on many levels. Essences of science include the process of peer review and replicable experimentation by other scientists. This means that there is always a chance of a new discovery or refutation. All science is falsifiable and nothing is ever proven. In a natural and changing world there are always changes and adaptations. This reminds me to never be too sure of something and that things can change in an instant. I encourage everyone to look at the “role models” in their life on a grander scale and see if you identify with a larger subject that has shaped you. I find that reflection on this sparks passion and gives a deeper insight into who you actually are and want to become.