Overview of Scientific Approach
Scientific discovery is based on two very general principles.
1. Empiricism
Knowledge is based upon the detailed, thorough, and systematic observation of events. Knowledge should be based on evidence, proof, facts, data -- observations.
2. Logic
All assumptions, inferences, interpretations, and conclusions are subjected to formal rules of logic.
I. Safeguards employed in Scientific Discovery.
a. Everything is open to debate. Unlike knowledge based upon tradition, nothing is assumed to be true. Rather all assumptions and knowledge claims are open to challenge and debate. Scholars are constantly arguing with each other and criticizing each other's work.
b. Knowledge is based upon logic and empiricism. Unlike knowledge based upon authority, "who" says what not the ultimate test of veracity. What is important, is that knowledge claims are logically and empirically supported.
c. Observations are detailed and systematic. Much time, energy, and effort goes into making observations. All observations are carefully noted and recorded. Most research simply involves the process of making observations. Making observations is a very tedious and time consuming, but critical step.
d. Logic guides the interpretation of observations. All conclusions must be logically supported. Employing formal, logical reasoning reduces the likelihood of overgeneralization and discounting of observations.
e. Process is never complete. All knowledge is constantly open for debate. Studies are replicated and new discoveries constantly challenge old ways of thinking. Conclusions are never final. Knowledge is never concrete.
For example: Newton’s theory of gravity, has been replaced by Einstein’s theory of relativity, which will someday probably be replaced by another theory.
f. Process is public. Findings are not private, they are published. Research articles are reviewed by a panel of scholars before they are published, and then they are open for all scholars to scrutinize, discuss, challenge, and debate.
II. Major advantage of Scientific Approach
A. Errors are less likely to occur -- many safeguards are in place. Although errors can and do occur, overtime, the scientific process makes corrections for these mistakes. It is not a perfect system, but it works.
III. Disadvantage of Scientific Approach
A. Expensive and Time consuming. It takes an enormous amount of time and energy to develop knowledge using the scientific approach.
B. Knowledge is constantly changing. Answers are never final -- the process doesn't stop. What we know today will be different from what we know tomorrow.
For example, when I took high school chemistry, the smallest element was an atom. If you took chemistry today, you would learn something else.
Conclusion: The scientific approach attempts to reduce the errors and biases commonly present in other approaches. However, the scientific approach is not perfect, nor will it produce the absolute truth.