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Science Frontiers ONLINE No. 107: Sep-Oct 1996 |
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Ten Myths Of Science
We have at hand a lengthy paper bearing the above title. It is copyrighted with ominous warnings about quotations. So, we will paraphrase a lot. The significance of the article is so great that we dare to quote the first sentence:
"This article addresses and attempts to refute several of the most widespread and enduring misconceptions held by students regarding the enterprise of science."
We now paraphrase the ten myths of science, as recognized by W. McComas of the School of Education, University of Southern California. McComas analyzes each "myth" in depth, explaining why it is not a "truth."
- Myth 1. Hypotheses turn into theories which eventually become enshrined as laws.
- Myth 2. Hypotheses are really only educated guesses.
- Myth 3. There exists a scientific method that is general and universal.
- Myth 4. Certainty results when facts are accumulated and analyzed.
- Myth 5. The scientific method leads to absolute truth.
- Myth 6. Science is less creative than it is procedural.
- Myth 7. All questions posed by the universe can be answered via the scientific method.
- Myth 8. High objectivity is the hallmark of science.
- Myth 9. Scientific knowledge is based mainly on experiment.
- Myth 10. Scientists always review and check the work of their colleagues.
(McComas, William; "Ten Myths of Science: Reexamining What We Think We Know...," School Science & Mathematics, vol. 96, January 1, 1996. Cr. M. Truzzi)
Comment. The upshot of McComas' analysis is that science is not what it claims to be.