Science as organized scepticism

Science as organized scepticism.

Real progress in understanding how the natural world works only truly began with the Enlightenment, with its guiding principle that the truth is to be found not by appeal to authority but by experimental tests and evidence. Unfortunately, but understandably, science is too often seen--in school, in university and especially on quiz shows--as certainty. In fact, science (including social science...

Transgressing the boundaries of science: Glazer, scepticism, and Emily's experiment.

The AAAS and Organized American Science.

Experts, truth and scepticism

We scientists have a dilemma. We are experts in our area of research, but our job demands that we constantly remain sceptical of our latest results even when we deeply believe we have unfolded new layers of truth. This is the world of science and, for the most part, we accept its contradictions. For those on the outside, however, this creates a problem of whom to believe. When a scientist is ca...

Scepticism is not enough.

Educators play an important role in developing the minds and brains of their learners. Little wonder then, that most have a natural enthusiasm to learn about concepts from neuroscience and apply them in their classrooms. Such enthusiasm may be fundamentally misplaced if neuroscience can make no practical contribution to education. Yet many areas of practical educational concern are being inform...