Emergence of Modern Science
NS 1300 – Spring 2010
Dr. Hoge
Why Study Science?
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We live in a technological society
brought about by scientific inquiry
Why Study Science?
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Science encourages
discovery and a
healthy skepticism.
Scientific Theory
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Observations (facts)
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Laws
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Data
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Predictions
Tools of Science
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Experimentation
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Laboratory
Field
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Mathematical Modeling
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Technology
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Social Context
Science is a Social Process
Communication of Results
 Argument
 Social Context
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Public Need
 Public Discourse
 Science in the News
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Areas of Science
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Pure Science
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Applied Science
Branches of Science
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Physical Sciences
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Earth Sciences
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Geology
Oceanography
Meteorology
Planetary Science
Environmental Sciences
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Physics
Chemistry
Cosmology / Astronomy
Biogeochemistry
Climate Studies
Life Sciences
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Biology (microbiology, cell biology, zoology, botony, etc.)
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology / Sociobiology
Behavioral Sciences (anthropology, archaeology, sociology, psychology)
Unifying Theories
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Thermodynamics
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Evolution
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Plate Tectonics
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General Relativity / Special Relativity
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Quantum Mechanics
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Big Bang / Inflation
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Standard Model (supersymmetry)
A Single Unified Theory?
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Quantum Mechanics
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Measurement Problem
Quantum Jump
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Special Relativity / General Relativity
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String Theory / M Theory
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Loop Quantum Gravity
What Science Isn’t – Part I
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Engineering
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Mathematics
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Medicine
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Technology
What Science Isn’t – Part II
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Pseudoscience
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Mystical Thinking
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Consilience
Quiz
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1. T or F, Skepticism is unhealthy.
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2. T or F, pure science produces technology we can use
right away.
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3. T or F, Medicine is a branch of science.
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4. T or F, plate tectonics is the unifying theory of geology.
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5. T or F, mystical thinking is good science.