S.B. – 25

Irrelevant Questions in Science
11/3/2017

“A very popular error: having the courage of one’s convictions; rather, it is a matter of having the courage for an attack on one’s convictions!” Nietzsche

Science has high regard for certain questions. Remaining without an answer until an adequate answer is found is highly valued in science. The history of science has shown that pure speculative answers hinder advancement.

25-1. Science has a high regard for __________.

Answer. (QUESTIONS)

25-2. Rather than accept an inadequate answer, science
A. makes one up
B. goes without one
C. experiments to find an adequate one
D. conjectures about some unscientific explanation
E. works up something to keep the public off its back

Answer. (B & C)

A question, however, must be in terms which have observable components. Science is interested in spending its time with those things which can be talked about.

Mary: Why did Bill take the apple?
Bob: Because he is hungry.
Mary: But why did he steal?
Bob: Because physiological needs will overpower social mores.
Mary: But why do these biological needs overpower social control?
Bob: Because it’s human nature, that’s all.

Bob’s last statement adds nothing to the explanation. He explains a particular behavior by stating it is part of a general class in the organism’s repertoire. His explanation of Bill’s behavior is scientifically inadequate.