The Secret Life of Science

Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Beulig, Alfred

Keywords

Learning, Science, Cognition

Area of Concentration

Neurobiology

Abstract

Science is a system composed of two major parts: a method for making reliable discoveries and a framework for interpreting and disseminating them. This thesis examines how and why science works as well as where it came from. First, the history of learning itself is explored by analyzing the development of the ability to learn in the animal kingdom, from very simple to extraordinarily complex organisms. Once learning in humans is discussed, the slow development of science throughout history is chronicled in order to show that this empirical process was meticulously and deliberately designed (unlike innate learning strategies). The final part of this section argues that humans are programmed to want to believe, and that science is the only method by which diverse peoples can come to agree that something is true. Section two looks into the human learning apparatus, identifying both its amazing abilities and inherent flaws. Science, the method, is then shown to be an effective tool in combating innate errors that occur in human learning. The final section explores science as a system of discovery; how it works and where it is headed.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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