Welcome to FreshNote, your distinguished Uniblog. We recently published a full summary of GST 101 (language and communication skills I. Now , we're moving down to history and philosophy of science. This article provides a complete summary of GST 105.
The Nature of Science
The term science comes from the Latin word scientia, which means “knowledge.” Over time, its meaning has broadened, but at its core, science is concerned with understanding the natural world in a systematic way. It can be described in three main senses:
.jpg)
Science as a body of knowledge – This refers to the collection of tested facts, principles, and theories about the universe. For example, knowledge of how plants manufacture food (photosynthesis) or how objects fall to the ground (gravity) forms part of the body of scientific knowledge.
Science as a method of inquiry – Beyond facts, science is also a process of acquiring knowledge. It involves systematic observation, logical reasoning, experimentation, and verification. This method distinguishes science from superstition, guesswork, or tradition, which lack consistency and proof.
Science as an institution – Science is also a human activity carried out by communities of researchers, laboratories, universities, and professional bodies. This institutional framework ensures that knowledge is shared, tested, and passed on to future generations.
Branches of Science
Science is broadly divided into two main categories:
Formal sciences – These are concerned with abstract systems and logical reasoning. Examples include mathematics, logic, and statistics. They provide the tools with which other sciences operate.
Empirical sciences – These are based on observation and experimentation. They include:
- Natural sciences such as physics, chemistry, biology, and geology, which study natural phenomena.
- Applied sciences such as medicine, engineering, and agriculture, which use scientific principles to solve human problems.
Science and Non-Science
It is important to distinguish science from other human activities. Unlike religion, art, or metaphysics, science is characterized by:
- Systematic observation.
- Objectivity and repeatability.
- Dependence on evidence rather than authority or tradition.
The Purpose of Science
The ultimate goal of science is not only to explain and understand natural phenomena but also to predict outcomes and, where possible, control events for the benefit of humanity.
The Scientific Method
The scientific method is the central framework through which science acquires and validates knowledge. It is not merely a set of steps but a disciplined way of approaching questions and problems. Unlike ordinary reasoning, it insists on objectivity, evidence, and logical consistency.
Steps of the Scientific Method
Observation
The process begins with careful observation of natural events or situations. Scientists look at phenomena, detect patterns, or notice problems that require explanation.Problem Identification
From observations, a problem or question is formulated. This problem must be specific, clear, and capable of being tested.Hypothesis Formulation
A hypothesis is a tentative explanation or answer to the problem. It is not a wild guess but an informed proposition that can be tested.Experimentation
Experiments are conducted to test whether the hypothesis holds true under controlled conditions. Reliable data are gathered through repeated trials.Analysis and Conclusion
The results are analyzed objectively to determine whether they support or reject the hypothesis. If consistent evidence backs the hypothesis, a conclusion is drawn.Theory Building
When a hypothesis is repeatedly tested and supported over time, it may develop into a theory that explains the phenomenon more generally.
Features of the Method
The scientific method is valued because it is:
- Systematic – follows ordered steps.
- Objective – free from personal bias.
- Empirical – based on observation and evidence.
- Self-correcting – open to revision when new facts emerge.
Application Beyond Science
While designed for scientific research, the method is also useful in everyday problem-solving. For example, identifying why a machine fails, or testing solutions in business and social life, can follow the same structured reasoning.
Basic Scientific Theories on history and philosophy of science
A theory in science is not just a casual guess or speculation. It is a well-tested explanation that brings together observations, experiments, and evidence into a coherent understanding of natural phenomena. Unlike everyday usage of the word “theory,” which often implies uncertainty, a scientific theory carries strong support and reliability.
Related articles you may also like:
- Introduction to scientific theories
- The nature of science
- Scientific method
- GST 105 handout, outline and summary
- History and philosophy of science course note 2
- GST 105 course note 3
- More courses
- GST 105 practice questions/CBT
Nature of Scientific Theories
- Theories develop when a hypothesis has been repeatedly tested and confirmed under different conditions.
- They serve as frameworks for explaining how and why things happen in nature.
- A theory is not static. As new data emerges, it can be refined, modified, or even replaced by a better explanation.
Examples of Scientific Theories
- Cell Theory – all living organisms are made up of cells, which are the basic units of life.
- Darwin’s Theory of Evolution – species evolve over time through natural selection.
- Germ Theory of Disease – microorganisms are responsible for many illnesses.
- Atomic Theory – matter is composed of indivisible particles called atoms.
These examples show that theories are central to science because they unify scattered facts into general principles that make sense of the natural world.
Difference Between Theories and Laws
While a law describes what consistently happens under specific conditions (e.g., Newton’s law of gravity), a theory explains why or how those patterns occur. Both are important, but they play different roles in scientific understanding.
Conclusion of Foundations of Science on GST 105
From the first four units of GST 105, we gain a clear picture of what science truly represents. Science is not just a storehouse of facts; it is a disciplined way of seeking knowledge, a community of experts, and a body of reliable principles that guide human understanding of the universe. Its method — observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and conclusion — gives it a unique power to generate knowledge that is testable and dependable.
Theories, which begin as tentative explanations, grow stronger through repeated verification and serve as frameworks for organizing knowledge. At the same time, laws of nature provide consistent descriptions of how things behave under certain conditions. Together, theories and laws show that science is both explanatory and predictive, giving it a special role in human advancement.
By studying these foundational units, students begin to appreciate why science stands apart from superstition or tradition. It is systematic, objective, and open to correction — qualities that make it one of humanity’s greatest tools for progress. More importantly, it prepares learners to think critically, reason logically, and approach problems with creativity, whether in academic pursuits or in everyday life.