Does science answer "what is it" questions ?

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In summary, science can only answer "how" questions and it's still trying to figure out what those are.
  • #1
Nick666
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Does science answer "what is it" questions ? Answers that would be something other than the phenomenology associated with it . It being ...whatever...electric charge, time, space, consciousness, gravity etc . Or maybe is it physics that doesn't answer "what is it" kind of questions ?
 
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  • #2
It depends. There's a way of asking what a thing is such that no answer will suffice.

"What is a horse? I mean, does anyone really know what a horse is? Has anyone really fathomed the essence of horse-ness?"

Substitute any term for horse, and you can see that this is the type of questioner who will not be satisfied by any answer, ever.
 
  • #3
zoobyshoe said:
What is a horse?

Sorry, can't resist:

Horse is as everyone can see.

(in Polish: Koń, jaki jest, każdy widzi, IMHO better translated as "Horse, how it looks like, everyone sees for himself").

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nowe_Ateny
 
  • #4
Borek said:
"Horse, how it looks like, everyone sees for himself"
Is that straight from the horses mouth? Or the other end?

Sorry, I couldn't resist.
 
  • #5
Horse is as everyone can see.
Samuel Johnson's English Dictionary isn't much more enlightening:
A neighing quadruped, used in war, and draught and carriage.
 
  • #6
zoobyshoe said:
"What is a horse?

Blast you, now I'm going to have that silly tune dancing in my head all day:

"http://bussongs.com/songs/a-horse-is-a-horse-mr-ed-tv-show.php"
 
  • #7
Stop horsing around, y'all.
:biggrin:
 
  • #8
OP, I'm not sure I understand your question.

In general, science aims to answer "how" questions, and one step to do this is using precise definitions. So "what is it" is usually answered using a definition.
 
  • #9
Enigman said:
Stop horsing around, y'all.
:biggrin:
Oh, get off yer high horse!
 
  • #10
zoobyshoe said:
"What is a horse?

A horse is a horse, of course of course..
 
  • #13
You can 'why' any subject in science until it hits a brick wall. That brick wall is the frontier of scientific knowledge. Science never 'gives up' on these questions, it just doesn't have any good answers - yet.
 

1. What is the scientific method and how does it help answer "what is it" questions?

The scientific method is a systematic approach to answering questions and solving problems in science. It involves making observations, formulating a hypothesis, designing and conducting experiments, and analyzing data to draw conclusions. By following this method, scientists are able to provide evidence-based explanations for "what is it" questions.

2. How does science define and classify different substances or objects?

Science uses various methods such as chemical analysis, physical properties, and molecular structure to define and classify different substances or objects. For example, elements are classified based on their atomic structure, while living organisms are classified into different kingdoms based on their characteristics and evolutionary relationships.

3. Can science provide a definitive answer to "what is it" questions?

While science strives to provide evidence-based explanations for "what is it" questions, it is important to understand that scientific knowledge is constantly evolving and subject to change. New discoveries and advancements may lead to revised explanations or even new questions. Therefore, science may not always provide a definitive answer, but it is a continuous process of seeking understanding.

4. How does science differentiate between fact and theory?

In science, facts refer to observations that have been repeatedly confirmed and are considered to be true. Theories, on the other hand, are well-supported explanations for certain phenomena based on a large body of evidence. Theories are not considered absolute truths, but rather the best explanation we have at the time based on available evidence.

5. How do scientists determine the validity of their findings?

Scientists use various methods to determine the validity of their findings, including peer review, replication, and statistical analysis. Peer review involves having other experts in the field review and critique the research before it is published. Replication involves repeating the experiment to see if the results can be reproduced. Statistical analysis helps to determine the significance and reliability of the findings.

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