This document discusses the nature of science by outlining six key characteristics that define science: it must be consistent, observable, natural, predictable, testable, and tentative. Science differs from religion and philosophy in that scientific explanations must be based on principles that can be repeatedly observed, measured, predicted, and tested using natural means, and scientists must be open to evidence that could prove current explanations wrong.

1. What is the Nature of Science
Jessica Matheson
Germanna Community College
BIO 101

2. What is science anyway?
• Science, religion, and philosophy all ask
questions…
• Science must be:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Consistent
Observable
Natural
Predictable
Testable
Tentative
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3. Consistent
Repeat an experiment  expect similar results
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4. Observable
Limited to things that can be seen or measured
in some way
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5. Natural
Cannot use supernatural explanations
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6. Predictable
Suggest explanations  true or false

7. Testable
Explanation must be something we can test
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8. Tentative
Scientist must keep an open mind and accept
evidence
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