Evidence for Supernatural Origin of ...
Scientific observation involves quantification, which is assigning numerical measurement values to tangible phenomena that are seen, heard, tasted, touched, and smelled. Everything from the electromagnetic wave length of specific colors to the number of gaseous molecules diffusing in a room to the density of a star has a number value.
Interpretation involves explaining observations or making predictions. Scientists offer cause and effect explanations for phenomena such as how does light pass through glass or predicts how to design a faster car design.
Explaining observations involve logic and a process of modeling. Deriving explanations from associated events of cause and effect is called deductive reasoning. Establishing the certainty of the explanation by means of repetition involves inductive reasoning.
All models of explanation begin as hypotheses, which are based on scientific observation. After laboratory confirmation that a hypothesis appears to accurately explain a phenomenon, it is submitted to peer review for third party scrutiny. If the hypothesis is confirmed by scientific peers to accurately explain an observation, the hypothesis becomes a theory. Over time, many confirmations, without one exception, by many scientists establishes the theory as a law. A law is as close to proof as science can offer. If an exception is found, the law must be modified and begin over its new journey of confirmation as a hypothesis or a theory. Understanding this process of modeling is essential to understanding the inherent skeptical nature of science and the efforts involved to find the exception to explanations. Finding an exception means that the explanation is wrong and needs to be revised. This is real process of science. All explanations must be subject to the scrutiny of examination and experimentation before it can be considered scientifically valid.
Experimentation is the procedure of testing the logic and/or the evidence favoring an interpretation. Carefully controlled experiments are designed to determine if exceptions can be found to the interpretation or shown to outright wrong. If a hypothesis withstands exhaustive testing without exceptions found, it can be considered a theory or a law. That is, it appears to be true up to this time. Scientists hold out that tomorrow a test or discovery may show that there is a better explanation. Scientists understand that science cannot prove anything with absolute certainty, given the finite limitations of investigation techniques and human experience and wisdom. However, it can prove an explanation wrong by demonstrating one exception to a stated interpretation.
Modeling is a way of life in science, thus scientists are comfortable with using models that are accurate and good for today knowing that tomorrow better models may be proposed. This is the process of the scientific method.
Evidence for Supernatural Origin of ...