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