Chapter 1 The World of Life Science

I. What is Science? A. Defining Science

The knowledge gained from careful, systematic investigation of the natural world. The knowledge gained from careful, systematic investigation of the natural world.

Systematic 1.Methodical in procedure 2.Marked by thoroughness

Investigation To observe or study by close examination

Natural world The living organisms plus the abiotic factors and the physical laws the organisms are constrained by.

I. What is Science? B. Defining Life Science

B. Life Science The knowledge gained when scientific investigation is applied to living things.

I. What is Science? C. Using Models

Scientists can make models of what they have learned.

Models A simple representation of a much more complex object or concept.

I. What is Science? D. Thinking Scientifically

1. Curiosity – loves to ask questions – Why? – How?

Curiosity to the Glory of God We can know more about God’s character We can know more about God’s character We can help others and share God’s love We can help others and share God’s love

D. Thinking Scientifically 2. Caution – not everything one reads or hears is true! a) Being observant

  A valid observation is well-grounded and accurate

Observation A piece of information that a person has gained by using one or more of the five senses— sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.

a) Being observant   A valid observation is well-grounded and accurate   Not all observations are valid * Imperfections of instruments * Inaccurate reading of an instrument   Observations should be repeated   Leads to an inference being made

Inference A logical conclusion based on observations.

D. Thinking Scientifically 2. Caution – not everything one reads or hears is true! a) Being observant b) Aware of the limitations of science

b) Limitations of Science   Only deals with things that can be observed   Observations may be faulty   Influenced by bias

bias What someone wants to believe is true – prevents the person from being impartial.

b) Limitations of Science   Only deals with things that can be observed   Observations may be faulty   Influenced by bias   Can’t make value judgements

Value judgements A determination of the worth of something.

b) Limitations of Science   Only deals with things that can be observed   Observations may be faulty   Influenced by bias   Can’t make value judgements   Can’t prove universal statements

Universal statements A statement that excludes every other possibility.

b) Limitations of Science   Only deals with things that can be observed   Observations may be faulty   Influenced by bias   Can’t make value judgements   Can’t prove universal statements   Can’t provide final answers

Final answers An answer that is absolutely true and never needs to be rejected or revised. Scientism is a belief that science is the only path to truth.

Caution Controlled by Scripture “Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 “Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 The Bible is God’s Word to us and all that is written within it is true. The Bible is God’s Word to us and all that is written within it is true. Therefore, the Bible is accurate when it talks about the physical world and history. Therefore, the Bible is accurate when it talks about the physical world and history.

D. Thinking Scientifically 3. Commitment to certain presuppositions

Presupposition An idea that you take for granted

D. Thinking Scientifically Examples of presuppositions: Examples of presuppositions: – The natural world is a very orderly place. – The orderliness of the natural world can be known by humans.

Commitment to Biblical Presuppositions The one idea that Christians are to take for granted is… The Bible is the inerrant Word of God! (2 Timothy 3:16) The one idea that Christians are to take for granted is… The Bible is the inerrant Word of God! (2 Timothy 3:16) If a scientific theory refutes the Scriptures, then it is the theory that is faulty. If a scientific theory refutes the Scriptures, then it is the theory that is faulty.

“When it comes to believing the Bible, for a Christian, it must be, or it might as well be.” “When it comes to believing the Bible, for a Christian, it must be all, or it might as well be nothing.” page 8, Life Science, BJU Press, 4 th ed.