2. Scientific method – AS CONSIDERED TODAY
Make observations
Check whether the observation is consistent
with the current theories
Formulate new hypothesis
Test new hypothesis
Check whether new hypothesis is better
explanation based on statistics .
Adopt new theory based on new observations
3. Unscientific method – AS CONSIDERED
TODAY
Make new observation
Check whether the observations match with
what you expected to see
Any chance of getting better results
If yes, develop a new way of getting right
results
If no, your observation is flawed .
4. Scientific / Unscientific
Today ,both “scientific “ as well as “ unscientific
methods “ are based on existing theories and
tested hypothesis .
“Scientific” could get transformed to “unscientific
“ and vice versa also , any time.
The method used for examination of scientificity is
“probability “ based.
In clinical research, the object of examination is
“living body “and its response with high degree of
variability in accordance to individual cause and
circumstances .
5. Scientific method, today
Scientific method is considered today as an
unending process of observation and refinement .
But it is important to know that the knowledge
acquired by observation is dependent on the
knowledge required for observation.
For eg, to observe an elephant , we need to
know about the fundamental nature and laws
pertaining to a living elephant.
If we observe an hippopotamus as elephant
based on the information in current theory
AND CONTINUE RESEARCH , not only that we
are misled , but also misleading others.
6. Fundamental theorems
So there should be fundamental theorems and
laws to guide “what to observe “, “how to
observe” , “where to observe” , “why to
observe” and “when to observe “.
There should also be fundamental laws and
theorems (proven, established and confirmed )
which explain the fundamental nature and
behaviour of the subject of examination for
guidance and reference in every stage of
observation .
7. Hypothesis versus educated
guess
Hypothesis is guess work based .
If research is initiated from theories (
incomplete proof) and not theorems (complete
proof) , formulating a series of hypothesis is
only possible. Conclusion is impossible
Research initiated from true science aims at
arriving conclusive knowledge based on
atleast that specific problem.
Research initiated from true science do not
shift from probability to probability.
8. Methods of experimentation
The methods of experimentation of modern
science is observation (data analysis) and
statistical reasoning.
This is because Modern science constitutes
theories based on testing random observations
owing to lack of solid theorems and laws as
validation base .
The method of experimentation of Ayurveda is
Prathyaksha (sensory perception), Anumana (
assumptions) and Yukti ( science based rationale
)
All these methods are guided by basic science of
Ayurveda [siddhanthas (theorems) and
9. Standardised techniques
Prathyaksha –Knowledge led prathyaksha .
(Knowledge gives guidelines for what to look
for, why, how, when , where and how).
Anumana – Knowledge led anumana
(Knowledge provides substratum for making
assumptions)
Yukti – Knowledge led yukti ( Knowledge
provides substratum for reasoning and arrive
at conclusions)
10. Scientific techniques
As these techniques are appropriately led by
unbiased concrete fundamental knowledge
(science) , these techniques are “scientific” .
The interpretation of results obtained by these
techniques are led by methods explained in
the fundamental knowledge (science) itself .
These techniques are the inbuilt scientific
ways of showing that the theorems are the
best “proofs” to guide research.
11. Scientific method in
Ayurveda
Starts from knowledge (Basic science)
Basic science led Observation
Basic science led Assumptions
Basic science led logical Reasoning
Basic science led Conclusions
12. Scientific method
Make observations which are consistent
with science.
Experiment the cause(s) -mechanism(s)
behind the observations in human being by
diagnostic and treatment principles of
Basic science .
Arrive at solid conclusions and explore the
cause- mechanism- effect by accurate
standards of science based assumption
and reasoning .
Optimise the application of theorems to
new requirements specific to individual.
13. Scientific method is a process by which we try
to understand how the natural and physical
world /humanbeing works based on the laws
of nature and how it came to be that way.
For that, we require basement knowledge of
nature of humanbeing and his nature of
response to changing environment
Science is Objective = Not influenced by
feelings, interests and prejudices; UNBIASED
14. Quality control for science before
medicine
Quality control is required for science (knowledge
) first before its application .
Different scientists may get different solutions
to the same problem ??????
Are they unbiassed?
Results can be influenced by the race, gender,
nationality, religion, politics or economic interests
of the scientist.
• Sampling or measurement bias can result in
different solutions to the same problem
15. Objectivity
Objectivity is the key to good science.
To make objective, the findings are to be
accurately appraised based on standardised
knowledge devoid of uncertainity .
16. Objectivity
1. Same results yielded by the same
rationale, when applied in identical
circumstances
• 2.Clearly demonstrable by
standardised science based
experimentation –assumption -
reasoning techniques and conclusion
• 3.Permanent valid conclusions .
17. Scientifically proven?
Scientifically proven- Proven by science
(rationale), not statistics (data).
Scientific conclusions well clarify the science
of particular situation in specific .
18. Science of human “being”
True sciences of humanbeings possess inbuilt
appraisal techniques for validation.
True sciences of humanbeings do not need to
incorporate alien appraisal techniques from
outside.
The mechanisms in a living body cannot be
precisely estimated by application of inert
sciences.
The mechanisms of a living body in its own
unique circumsances could be best estimated
by the complete “ Science of life “ ( Ayurveda)
19. Unscientific observations
Technology only aids in observations .
Science appraises the observations by science
based reasoning techniques.
Science based reasoning techniques are devoid
of probability as they are based on laws of
fundamental nature of man.
Every individual observation requires science
based reasoning of its own circumstances .
Generalized population -data based observations
are unscientific observations .
20. Unscientific
observations
Unscientific observations are ineffective in
medical science as they lead to unscientific
interpretation and results .
Probability based statitics being not led by
“science of life” , is an unscientific method of
assumption and reasoning in human beings.
21. So what is counted as scientific today in
today’s medical practice is very unscientific .
This happens owing to imperfect knowledge
regarding what is science in living beings.
The difference between inert sciences and life
science is very vast .
Multi disciplinary inert life
sciences(biochemistry, botany, cell biology,
and molecular biology etc) together will NOT
constitute the “Science of life”
22. Let off the probabilities
Let us learn to adopt inbuilt scientific
methodologies in Ayurveda!!!
Let off the probabilities and enjoy clinical
practice and research by true “scientific “ ways
!!