Definition of Science
It’s always fun trying to define science. Inspired by a recent attempt on Pharyngula, I have my own definition to throw into the mixing pot. The most general definition of science I can think of is this:
“Science” is what people do and what people create in order to come up with the most convincing answers to the questions that interest them the most.
This definition does not specify any particular subject matter, or any particular method, or any particular system of knowledge, or any specific collection of facts or observations. Anything goes, as long as a human is trying their best and hardest to convince other humans. You might end up with a different answer at the end than you anticipated; or you might have no convincing answer at all; or you might end up answering completely different questions. Regardless, when you do this you are doing science.
In theory, there might be other intelligent life out there that could also be doing science. But for now, as far as we know, science is strictly a human activity.
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