Features of science

By science we understand the knowledge that arises from a particular process of inquiry, reasoning and reflection, subjected to a method of analysis. For a speech to be considered scientific, a set of characteristics must be met. Let's look at each one separately.

It is general and open

Science goes from the particular to the universal and, in this sense, it is general. Science is said to be open to the extent that it is receptive to research in each and every one of the areas of life, as long as they are susceptible of being studied. Therefore, science does not establish a priori judgments.

It is specialized

Over the years, science has become more specialized, giving rise to very specific and concrete areas of research that behave like authentic study universes. Each scientist is a specialist in a specific area of ​​knowledge. For example, bio-technology.

It's factual

Science is said to be factual insofar as it studies concrete events that occur in real life.

It is based on a method

For science to be talked about, there must always be a verifiable research method, whether we are talking about pure or social science. So science is said to be methodical. Anything that involves a method declared verifiable, not subject to mere speculation, is part of scientific thinking.

See also:

• Method Scientific method.

Go to experimentation or experience

Science looks for the mechanisms to be able to measure in the experience the phenomena that are intended to study. Therefore, it is empirical. If speculation is your starting point, experimentation will be the means to reach coherent conclusions that confirm or deny the hypothesis.

It has an analytical character

Science sets out to analyze in detail the phenomena or issues that it develops, in order to find the complex framework that explains their nature, their causes, their consequences and their implications.

Seeks to establish general laws

Through their studies, the sciences try to establish general or universal laws that explain the behavior of phenomena. In this sense, it is also said to be legal.

From the case study, science seeks to establish general patterns to be able to apply them to similar phenomena in the future.

This is typical of both the pure sciences and the social sciences. In this they differ from the humanities, although they share with these some characteristics such as the valuation of the method.

See also:

• Gravity, relativity.

It allows predicting certain phenomena or behaviors

Part of the scientific vocation is to be able to collect enough information to predict, with a certain degree of accuracy, certain phenomena, reactions or consequences, this in order to be able to draw up plans for prevention, recovery and / or use. The predictive nature of science is one of the great inputs of applied technology.

Its conclusions are provisional

In science, although general laws are sought, it is understood that every conclusion is provisional, that is, every conclusion is subject to being discussed and amended in time, without detracting from previous work.

Can be checked

Science is, by definition, verifiable. This means that everything determined through scientific rigor has been proven and can be verified by the rest of the scientific community.

Accumulate knowledge

There is talk of the cumulative nature of science in relation to the collection of scientific documentary material, paid throughout history that, regardless of being overcome, serves as an input for the development of new questions and working hypotheses.

Thus, no scientific finding is ruled out by the mere fact of being surpassed with the appearance of new findings, but always remains available through documentation as an itinerary of clues for future research.

It is systematic

Science is systematic. the ideas presented by science are inserted in a previous research context and are framed within a system of thought, which includes the background and context of research in the field of scientific production.

It is useful and helpful

In principle, science always aims to provide a solution not only to human curiosity, but also to vital needs and specific problems. In this sense, science always seeks to be useful and profitable.

Seeks the dissemination of knowledge

The purpose of scientific development is the dissemination of acquired knowledge, for which it uses different means. For example, scientific magazines, national and international conferences, the press, etc.

It is in the public and private interest

The interest in scientific knowledge is clearly expressed in the creation of different associations for scientific purposes, both public and private. However, depending on the nature of the association, it may be that, exceptionally, the knowledge is reserved.