Science,
theory,
simulation
models, statistics,
experiments
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Science
The
following definition is adapted from “Webster’s New World Dictionary”
(1988).
Science
[Ofr < L scientia, prp. Of scire, to know, orig., to
discern, distinguish ]
1.
orig., the state or fact of knowledge; knowledge.
2.
systematized knowledge derived from observation, study, and
experimentation carried on in order to determine the nature of principles of
what is being studies.
3.
a branch of knowledge or study, esp. one concerned with establishing
and systematizing facts, principles, and methods, as by experiments and
hypotheses, e.g., the science of mathematics.
4.
the systematized knowledge of nature and the physical world and any
branch of this.
5.
skill of technique based upon systematized training.
Critical
evaluation -- the only reliable road to knowledge.
References:
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Harper,
A. E. 1990. Critical evaluation - the only reliable road to
knowledge. BioScience 40(1): 46-47.
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Oliver,
D. J. 1990. Letters - Critical evaluation? BioScience 40(6): 421.
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Popper,
K. 1989. Logik der Forschung. J.C.B. Mohr (Paul Siebeck) Tübingen.
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Science
sayings
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Go
back to your stamp collecting, and leave science to
scientists. (A politician).
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Science
is built with facts as a house is with stones -- but a collection of
facts is no more a science than a heap of stones is a house. -
Jules Henry Poincare (1854-1912).
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The
most dangerous of all falsehoods is a slightly distorted
truth. - G. C. Lichtenberg (1742-1799).
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In
matters of science, the law of majority has no place. - Hsin
Chi. (I adapted this from the famous saying of Mohandas
Karamchand Gandhi: In matters of conscience, the law of majority has
no place.)
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Theory
The
following definitions are adapted from “Webster’s New World
Dictionary” (1988).
Theory
[< Fr or LL: Fr théorie
< LL theoria < Gr theōria,
a looking at, contemplation, speculation, theory < theōrein:
see theorem]
1.
orig., a mental viewing, contemplation,
2.
a speculative idea or plan as to how something might be done,
3.
a systematic statement of principles involved [the theory of
equations in mathematics],
4.
a formulation of apparent relationships or underlying principles of
certain observed phenomena which has been verified to some degree,
5.
that branch of an art or science consisting in a knowledge of its
principles and methods rather than in its practice; pure, as opposed to
applied, science, etc.
6.
popularly, a mere conjecture, or guess.
Among
these definitions, I use the 3rd, 4th and 5th in theoretical ecology.
Theory,
as compared here, implies considerable evidence in support of a formulated
general principle explaining the operation of certain phenomena, e.g., the
theory of evolution.
Hypothesis
implies an inadequacy of evidence in support of an explanation that is
tentatively inferred, often as a basis for further experimentation, e.g.,
the nebular hypothesis.
Law
implies an exact formulation of the principle operating in a sequence of
events in nature, observed to occur with unvarying uniformity under the same
conditions, e.g., the law of the conservation of energy.
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Simulation models
Model
is only model. Models are useful to handle tedious calculation, to
simulate complex system, to enable people to “see” what they cannot see
through human eyes. However, a model will be not better than a
computer game, if it is not based on solid theory. A model cannot make
precise prediction, if it is not based on robust data. Finally, a model
must be user-friendly, i.e., it must be designed in Visual BASIC or C.
An user-friendly model is also helpful to let people to apply a theory to
their own data, even though the user does not understand the theory.
However, it is
dangerous to use a theory without thorough understanding.
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Statistics
Although
I do think statistics is important to most routine scientific works. I
really like the following two says about statistics. (I learned them from
AWAD).
Statisticians
know that if you put a man’s head in a sauna and his feet in a deep
freeze, he will feel pretty good - on the average.
Statistics
are used as a drunk uses lampposts--for support, not illumination.
If
you need statistics you don't do the right experiment! - Ernest Rutherford.
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Experiment
is one of the important ways in scientific reasoning. But, it is not the
only one. Experiments take money, labor and time. Among them, time
is the major limiting factor. Scientists do not live longer than others.
If 50 insects are enough for a study, we should not use 60. If three
replicates are enough, why should we do four replicates? We need more
time to do the most important work, interpretation and thinking, or reasoning.
If we can do “abstract reasoning”, we can cut the experiments to minimum.
....it
is difficult to picture the great Creator conceiving of a program of one
creature (which He has made) using another living creature for purposes of
experimentation. There must be other, less cruel ways of obtaining
knowledge. -Adlai Stevenson, American statesman (1835-1914).
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