The Scientific Method of investigation
Vs
The Creationist Method of investigation
The Scientific Method of investigation
1. Initial Observation of Phenomena
From an initial observation of a phenomena, A shortcoming in knowledge is identified.
2. Data acquisition
Measurement, Observation, Evidence,
Collect any data that has any bearing on the phenomena under investigation.
3. Formulate Hypothesis
Formulate multiple hypotheses that explain the observed phenomena.
4. Test Hypothesis
Each hypothesis must be tested against the evidence. Various experiments can be devised to try to disprove and prove each hypothesis.
5. Reject, Modify or retain Hypothesis
Any hypothesis that:
fails to explain the phenomena
is contradicted by the evidence
fails experimental scrutiny
is rejected.
Contradictory evidence should also be scrutinised to ensure there is a valid contradiction and not just an explainable exception. Supporting evidence should also be scrutinised to ensure the supporting evidence is not just an exception. Experiments are scrutinised for the validity of their results.
A hypothesis may be refined or modified at any time so that it is consistent with the observed phenomena and the observed evidence. A hypothesis that explains the Phenomena and is consistent with the evidence may now be presented as a theory. More than one hypothesis may fulfil both these criteria therefore there can be more than one theory for any one phenomena.
6. Theory
The Hypothesis that best fits the observed evidence is presented as the explanation of a phenomena . This is known as a Theory.
7. Ongoing Testing of theory
The Theory is published and all interested parties are invited to test the Theory to destruction.
The theory is used to make predictions. These predictions are tested by experiments or further observations. This is an ongoing process.
8. Reject, Modify or Retain Theory.
During testing and investigation, new evidence may come to light that indicates the theory may be incorrect or subject to constraints. The Theory can be either rejected or corrected to make it consistent with all the evidence. Go back to step 7
Creationist Method of investigation
1. Start with a Conclusion
2. Propose Theory.
Only theories that support the conclusion should be considered. Little or no attempt should be made to test or disprove the proposed theory.
3. Collect Supporting Evidence
One single example of supporting evidence is sufficient, even if there are thousands of examples of evidence that do not support or contradict the theory. Only "supporting" evidence is considered.
4. Reject Modify or Retain Evidence.
If the evidence is undeniably proved to be faulty, then reject it and find some evidence that does support the Theory. The Theory is not normally rejected at this point because only one example of supporting evidence is required to justify the theory. Contradictory evidence is ignored.
If forced to abandon a theory then claim that you didn't believe it all along and that false Christians proposed it. Propose another Theory that supports your conclusion. Go to step 2
Golden Rule:- Conclusion is always the same regardless of evidence or the theory.
Corollary:- For Fundamentalist Christians. No evidence at all is required to support a conclusion.
The Scientific method is designed to discover the truth and eliminate falsehoods, lies, ignorance and misunderstanding.
The Creationist method is self delusional. It can never uncover a falsehood or prove a truth. It only reinforces existing perceptions of the truth.
The Fundamentalist Method is simply Blind Faith and has no bearing on truth whatsoever.
The scientific method: - base your conclusions on observations/evidence.
The creationist method: - base your observations/evidence on your conclusions.
[Nic]
