Our definition of science

Our definition of science:-

Science is the systematic, empirically-based pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social worlds.

Included in scientific methodology are the following:

Unbiased observation: data and measurements (possibly, although not necessarily, using mathematics as a tool)

Evidence

Using an experiment or observation to test a hypothesis

Induction is the process of establishing generalizations or inferences from data or examples.

Repetition

Critical evaluation

Verification and testing: exposing important information to inspection, peer review, and evaluation

Why explain science?

The Science Council decided in 2009 that it should be more explicit when referring to solid science and policy grounded in science. The Science Council's name includes "science," but it has never clarified what this term entails. The recent inclusion of the development of science as a charity activity in the 2006 Charities Act suggested that a definition would be appropriate in that context, which is how this definition came to be. It also helped us better understand what kinds of organizations might become members

"Because the term "science" encompasses such a wide variety of endeavors, a definition of it must be comprehensive, include both the social and natural sciences, include the phrases "systematic" and "evidence," and be brief and easy to understand. The definition excels brilliantly in each of these areas. Thus I commend it.

A C Grayling praised the term in the March 2009 issue of the Guardian.

What exactly does science entail? Here is one explanation:

Over the past year, the British Science Council has developed a new definition of "science." But how does it do against the opposition from creationism and intelligent design?

The term "science" may have been created by the 16th-century philosopher Francis Bacon, but even if it wasn't, it must have become widely used during his lifetime, at least in the western world.

The Science Council may have decided to spend a year developing a new definition of science with that in mind. They assert that it might be the first "official definition of science" to be printed.

Here's what they've come up with:

A definition makes a clear contrast between what is legitimate science and what is pseudoscience, in an era where techniques like homeopathy are becoming more common, and 'detox' is an acceptable goal for a diet," the author writes.

You have it, then.

I ran the definition by a few professionals to get their opinions. David Edgerton, an Imperial College professor of the history of science and technology, made two observations:

In contrast to established knowledge, it defines science as a pursuit or activity associated with generating new knowledge. Research is viewed as a type of science. However, a definition of science must also specify the nature of knowledge, not just the methods used to produce it.

and

"The concept would encompass journalism and historical research! It does not distinguish between what is referred to as science and the humanities. This is a wise and beneficial move. Based on the press release's context, this does not appear to be a position that the Science Council has.

According to the philosopher AC Grayling, the Council did an excellent job:

I do have two minor concerns about the new definition, though. I wonder what that means for people who assert that creationism or intelligent design are grounded in science. And who exactly is the Science Council?

Our definition of science