chapter 1 the world of life science. i. what is science? a. defining science

Chapter 1

The World of

Life Science

I. What is Science?

A. Defining Science

A. Defining Science

The knowledge gained from careful,

systematic investigation of the

natural world.

Systematic

1. Methodical in procedure

2. Marked by thoroughness

Investigation

To observe or study by close examination

Natural world

The living organisms plus the abiotic factors and the physical laws the organisms are constrained by.

I. What is Science?

B. Defining Life Science

B. Life Science

The knowledge gained when

scientific investigation is applied to living

things.

I. What is Science?

C. Using Models

C. Using Models

Scientists can make models of what they have learned.

Models

A simple representation of a much more complex object or concept.

I. What is Science?

D. Thinking Scientifically

D. Thinking Scientifically

1. Curiosity – loves to ask questions–Why?–How?

Curiosity to the Glory of God

• We can know more about God’s character

• We can help others and share God’s love

D. Thinking Scientifically

2. Caution – not everything one reads or hears is true!

a) Being observant

a) Being observant

A valid observation is well-grounded and accurate

Observation

A piece of information that a person has gained by using one or more of the five senses—sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.

a) Being observant

A valid observation is well-grounded and accurate

Not all observations are valid

* Imperfections of instruments

* Inaccurate reading of an instrument

Observations should be repeated

Leads to an inference being made

Inference

A logical conclusion based on observations.

D. Thinking Scientifically

2. Caution – not everything one reads or hears is true!

a) Being observantb) Aware of the limitations of science

b) Limitations of Science

Only deals with things that can be observed

Observations may be faulty

Influenced by bias

bias

What someone wants to believe is true – prevents the person from being impartial.

b) Limitations of Science

Only deals with things that can be observed

Observations may be faulty

Influenced by bias

Can’t make value judgements

Value judgements

A determination of the worth of something.

b) Limitations of Science

Only deals with things that can be observed

Observations may be faulty

Influenced by bias

Can’t make value judgements

Can’t prove universal statements

Universal statements

A statement that excludes every other possibility.

b) Limitations of Science

Only deals with things that can be observed

Observations may be faulty

Influenced by bias

Can’t make value judgements

Can’t prove universal statements

Can’t provide final answers

Final answers

An answer that is absolutely true and never needs to be rejected or revised.

Scientism is a belief that science is the only path to truth.

Caution Controlled by Scripture

• “Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

• The Bible is God’s Word to us and all that is written within it is true.

• Therefore, the Bible is accurate when it talks about the physical world and history.

D. Thinking Scientifically

3. Commitment to certain presuppositions

Presupposition

An idea that you take for granted

D. Thinking Scientifically

• Examples of presuppositions:–The natural world is a very

orderly place.–The orderliness of the

natural world can be known by humans.

Commitment to Biblical Presuppositions

• The one idea that Christians are to take for granted is… The Bible is the inerrant Word of God!

(2 Timothy 3:16)

• If a scientific theory refutes the Scriptures, then it is the theory that is faulty.

“When it comes to believing the Bible, for a Christian, it must be all, or it might as well be nothing.”

page 8, Life Science, BJU Press, 4th ed.