Hummanities 3991
Part 1
Why does confusion exist about the definition of a scientific theory? When we talk about science, many people hear the term “theory”. The definition of a scientific theory can become confusing since many people interpret the meaning differently. When a person uses the term “theory” in a sentence it is usually used in a non-scientific way. They assume that a theory is something assumed, but not proven. When the term “theory” is used in science, it means an explanation based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning. It has been tested and confirmed as a general principle to explain phenomena. A scientific theory must be based on careful examination of facts. “A theory is a hypothesis or set of hypotheses that has stood the test and (so far, at least) has not been contradicted by evidence” (Suplee 9).
What significant contribution did Thales make to the development of science? Thales of Miletus (c. 624 BC – c. 546 BC) was said to be the first known scientific thinker. Thales was both important and extremely influential. He wanted an explanation without turning to supernatural powers. Thales attempted to explain natural phenomena without reference to mythology. Other philosophers admired his way of thinking and followed him in attempting to explain substance change, and the existence of the world. Thales had two strong beliefs. They were that that “nature must be understood without the supernatural and that humans are capable of discovering nature’s truths through observation and reason” (Adler 33). He was credited to be the first to bring geometry and astronomy to Greece from Egypt. He was best known for his supposed prediction of a solar eclipse that marked the end of the war. “He was able to change the course of a river so an army could cross it” (Adler 31). He claimed that the earth was a flat disk and that an earthquake was caused by a wave in the water. He identified water as the basis of the universe. Thales set a trend for fundamental
Why does confusion exist about the definition of a scientific theory? When we talk about science, many people hear the term “theory”. The definition of a scientific theory can become confusing since many people interpret the meaning differently. When a person uses the term “theory” in a sentence it is usually used in a non-scientific way. They assume that a theory is something assumed, but not proven. When the term “theory” is used in science, it means an explanation based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning. It has been tested and confirmed as a general principle to explain phenomena. A scientific theory must be based on careful examination of facts. “A theory is a hypothesis or set of hypotheses that has stood the test and (so far, at least) has not been contradicted by evidence” (Suplee 9).
What significant contribution did Thales make to the development of science? Thales of Miletus (c. 624 BC – c. 546 BC) was said to be the first known scientific thinker. Thales was both important and extremely influential. He wanted an explanation without turning to supernatural powers. Thales attempted to explain natural phenomena without reference to mythology. Other philosophers admired his way of thinking and followed him in attempting to explain substance change, and the existence of the world. Thales had two strong beliefs. They were that that “nature must be understood without the supernatural and that humans are capable of discovering nature’s truths through observation and reason” (Adler 33). He was credited to be the first to bring geometry and astronomy to Greece from Egypt. He was best known for his supposed prediction of a solar eclipse that marked the end of the war. “He was able to change the course of a river so an army could cross it” (Adler 31). He claimed that the earth was a flat disk and that an earthquake was caused by a wave in the water. He identified water as the basis of the universe. Thales set a trend for fundamental
Cited: Mckay, Hill,Buckler. A History of World Societies. Volume 2.Boston: Houghton Miffline Company, 1992. Dorocicz, Irene. “The History of Science”. Faculty of Arts Readings. Kamloops: Thompson Rivers University, 2005. Impact of Scientific Revolution. 10 January 2006. < http://cnx.org/content/m13245/latest/ > Early Scientific Revolution. 15 December 2007< http://lorribrown-suite101.com/the-early- scientific- revolution-a38115 >