Abstract
This write-up follows the statement by Louis Pasteur, founder of Microbiology and Immunology, that âa little science distances you from God but a lot of science brings you nearer to himâ. The discussion here focuses on:
- The description of science
- The appreciation of science in relation to quantum theories
- The impact of science on lives and human interactions
- Knowledge and its ability to explain nature
The study of science through the established scientific method has positively affected life in the area of Technology, Medicine, Education, Cosmology, etc. Science has given the appreciation of life and nature. The physical laws that guide scientific approaches have produced cosmological models that have explained the structure and the evolution of the universe. In conclusion, the study of science gives knowledge and creates appreciation which serves as the driving force that pushes the scientist to further search and appreciation of the creation of Nature which leads to a greater love for the creator (God).
Introduction
Science is a system of knowledge that is concerned with the physical world and its phenomena. It follows the observations and systematic experimentation of processes. Science involves the pursuit of knowledge that covers the operations of fundamental laws. Science is divided into different branches based on the subject of study. [https://www.britannica.com/science/science] They branches are:
- The Physical Sciences study the Inorganic world. It consists of the fields of Astronomy, Physics and Chemistry.
- The Earth Sciences (Geosciences) study all natural sciences that are related to the planet Earth.
- The Biological Sciences study living organisms and the science behind life. [www.ucas.com] It consists of disciplines such as: Biology and Medicine, etc.
- The Social Sciences like Anthropology and Economics study the Social and Cultural aspects of human behavior.
- The Formal Sciences study Formal systems that are governed by axioms and rules. It is made up of logic, mathematics, theoretical computer science
- Applied Sciences are disciplines that use scientific knowledge for practical purposes. Such disciplines in Applied sciences are Engineering, Medicine, etc.
Science is a systematic process that builds, organizes and establishes knowledge about the universe. Science is as old as mankind. [Science - Wikipedia] In Science, formal attempts are used to explain events that are based on natural causes. New knowledge in science is advanced by research about the world and a desire to solve problems. The practical impact of science research produces policies that influence scientific enterprise by prioritizing the ethical and moral development of commercial products, armaments, health care, public infrastructure and environmental protection.
The description of science
Science consists of studying the world by watching, listening, observing and recording. Science is curiosity in thoughtful action about the world and how it behaves. [spaceplace.nasa.gov] The scientific method is an empirical method for getting the knowledge that characterized the development of science. The scientific method is used to investigate, verify and construct accurate and reliable explanations of natural phenomena. They are done by creating objective framework for the purpose of scientific inquiry and analysis of results, to give the conclusion that either supports or contradicts the observation made at the beginning. [Scientific Method - Definition, Steps & Example (byjus.com)] It is the organized process of determining the accuracy of scientific theories through careful observation and experimentation. [Scientific Method Examples and the 6 Key Steps | YourDictionary]
The appreciation of science in relation to quantum theories: Quantum theory is the foundational basis for present-day material science. The theory basically explains the nature and behavior of matter and energy on the atomic level. Classical science is used to explain the occurrences of materials at macroscopic levels. Quantum theory takes things further and explains the phenomena that occur at the subatomic level. Quantum theory along with general relativity is an important field of science which gives a new way of looking at the world. Modern technology is based on the quantum theory where quantum effects are significant. Some of the applications of quantum theory are found in Quantum optics, Quantum computing, Light-emitting diodes, Superconducting magnets, Optical amplifier and lasers, Transistors, Semiconductors, Magnetic resonance imaging, Electron microscopy, etc. [Quantum Theory - Statement, Development, Applications (byjus.com)]
The impact of science on lives and human interactions: The influence of science on lives and human interactions is remarkable. Every existence is under the influence of science. As man evolves, the science process evolves too. The impact of science is seen in Technology, Medicine, Education, etc. Science has given much to life. This is seen in the outcome of the food that are eaten. Emotions that are lived are understood by science. Science affects lives greatly. Knowledge is used to protect and conserve our planet. [How Science Impacts Our Daily Lives | Science Impact (i-sis.org)]
Knowledge and its ability to explain nature
Knowledge could be defined as awareness of facts or as practical skills. It may also refer to familiarity with objects or situations. Knowledge of facts is defined as true belief that is distinct from opinion or guesswork by virtue of its justification. [Knowledge - Wikipedia] Knowledge could be acquired in many ways. Science generates knowledge through the scientific method, which is based on repeatable observation, measurement, experimentation, etc.
Knowledge and its ability to explain nature: Nature is the physical world or the universe. It could refer to the phenomena of the physical world and of life in general. The study of nature is part of science. Humans form a tiny proportion of the total living biomass on Earth. The human impact on nature is disproportionately large. The behavior of matter and energy throughout the observable universe appears to follow well-defined physical laws. These laws are used to produce cosmological models that successfully explain the structure and the evolution of the universe. [Nature - Wikipedia]
Conclusion
The study of science enriches the scientist with knowledge in physical laws. This knowledge creates appreciation and further desire for more knowledge which leads to the good understanding of Nature and the creation of the universe thereby justifying the that “a little science distances you from God but a lot of science brings you nearer to him”.
