Ecology and Evolution
50.102 – 03
Fall 2005
Syllabus
Introduction
• Science: knowledge or a system of
knowledge covering general truths or the
operation of general laws especially as
obtained and tested through scientific
method
Scientific Method
• 1.Observation
• 2.Question
• 3.Hypothesis (guess at an explanation)
– Predictions
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4.Test of the hypothesis via the predictions
5.Reevaluation of the hypothesis
6.Formulation of new hypotheses
7.New observations…
Observation: Dead flashlight
Question?
Hypothesis(es):
A. Dead batteries
B. Dead bulb
Prediction A1: If I replace the batteries then the flashlight will work.
Prediction B1: If I replace the bulb then the flashlight will work.
Test A. prrrrrrt – Falsified the hypothesis
Test B. Yay! – Can’t falsify the hypothesis
Some properties of science via the
scientific method
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Most if not all the steps of the method
Testable
Falsifiable
Repeatable
THEORY
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 4
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 3
Accumulation of scientific evidence
Examples of Theories
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Quantum electrodynamics
Theory of Heliocentrism
Plate Tectonic Theory
Theory of Gravity
Giant Impact Theory
Global Warming Theory
Cell Theory
Theory of Organic Evolution
Pseudoscience
• Pseudoscience is any body of
knowledge, methodology, or practice that
is erroneously regarded as scientific
• IOW: Don’t have the same criteria:
– Unfalsifiable
– Unrepeatable
– Missing or skipping major steps in method
– Contradictory to evidence
Fields associated with
pseudoscience
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Alchemy
Astrology
Chakra theory
Clairvoyance
Creation science and
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Baraminology
Creation biology
Creationist cosmologies
Flood geology
Intelligent design
Dianetics (Katie Holmes watch out!)
Expansion theory
Eugenics
Essentialism
Electric universe
Folk psychiatry
Graphology
Götaland theory
Homeopathy
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Lunaception
Megalithic yard
Melanin Theory
Metaphysics
Modern geocentrism (see also Flat Earth
Society)
New Chronology
Nonstandard cosmologies
Orgonomy
Palmistry
Parapsychology
Schemes for Perpetual motion
Personology
Phrenology
Physiognomy
Precognition
Pseudoarchaeology
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Pyramidology
Gene Ray's Time Cube
Telekinesis
Telepathy
Vedic science