The Limits of Science

Science cannot solve problems outside the scientific method. Although many people would like to believe that science is the answer to all our ills that just isn't so. Science has definite limits to what it can accomplish. Thus, good science must meet three conditions

Science must be:

• observable
• measurable
• repeatable

Historically it has been known that science cannot do everything and when you leave the scientfic method you invite chaos. Remember the whole reason the scientific method came about was to make a distinction between natural philosophers (scientists) and other philosophers. Natural philosophers were required to prove their ideas and allow their peers to scrutinize their data. Nothing was accepted without proof.

So if science must be observable, measurable and repeatable, what can't science do?

Science cannot:

• deal with moral decisions or values 
• prove truths or absolutes
• prove universal statements (all, always, never etc)

None of the above areas can be tested through the scientific method. These areas are of a religious or philosophical nature. Fasinating topics but not true science.

Always remember what science is and is not. Good science is based on the scientific method.

"Good science is observable, measurable and repeatable. Everything else is junk!"