Most Important Thing In Science : Asking The Right Question

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SUMMARY

The central theme of the discussion is the significance of asking the right questions in science, exemplified by Isaac Newton's approach. Participants debate the importance of questioning versus accepting evidence, with one arguing that a willingness to believe evidence is crucial, even if it contradicts existing theories. The conversation highlights Galileo Galilei's superior questioning and reasoning skills compared to Newton, emphasizing the value of engaging with foundational scientific texts. Recommendations for reading materials on Galileo are sought to enhance understanding of his contributions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of scientific methodology
  • Familiarity with historical figures in science, specifically Isaac Newton and Galileo Galilei
  • Knowledge of deductive reasoning principles
  • Awareness of the evolution of scientific thought from Copernicus to Kepler
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the scientific method and its application in historical contexts
  • Explore the works of Galileo Galilei, focusing on his deductive reasoning techniques
  • Study Isaac Newton's contributions to science and how they built upon earlier theories
  • Investigate the impact of questioning in scientific discovery through case studies
USEFUL FOR

Students of science, educators, historians of science, and anyone interested in the philosophical underpinnings of scientific inquiry will benefit from this discussion.

Razwell
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Above all, the most important thing in science, the thing that gets everything started is asking the RIGHT questions. Isaac Newton did this better than anyone.

For example: asking what cheese is the moon made of and then conducting experiments to determine if it was Swiss, American or Provolone would get us nowhere.
 
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It's clearly made of American cheese.
 
Razwell said:
Above all, the most important thing in science, the thing that gets everything started is asking the RIGHT questions. Isaac Newton did this better than anyone.

For example: asking what cheese is the moon made of and then conducting experiments to determine if it was Swiss, American or Provolone would get us nowhere.

I disagree. I take your point, and it is a good one, but I believe that the MOST important thing in science is a willingness to believe the evidence even if it contradicts your theory.

Even worse than asking what kind of cheese the moon is made of is continuing to believe it IS made of cheese even though your experiments tell you otherwise.
 
Razwell said:
Above all, the most important thing in science, the thing that gets everything started is asking the RIGHT questions. Isaac Newton did this better than anyone.

While this is somewhat subjective, I found that Galileo Galilei asked far better questions and derived far more significant answers than Newton. Newton merely built upon that which Copernicus, Galileo, and Kepler had already discovered. Reading the great work of Galileo was much more interesting than reading the great work of Newton, though to be fair, each provides numerous enlightening moments. Unfortunately, the greater of the multitude will never read these great works in their entirety, so they simply don't know what they're missing. I wish I had read these great works far sooner than I did. Galileo was quite brilliant in his manner of deductive reasoning and ingeniously resourceful.
 
Can you recommend some reading materials on Galileo please?
 

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