Science Definition and 990 Threads

Science (from the Latin word scientia, meaning "knowledge") is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.The earliest roots of science can be traced to Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia in around 3000 to 1200 BCE. Their contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and medicine entered and shaped Greek natural philosophy of classical antiquity, whereby formal attempts were made to provide explanations of events in the physical world based on natural causes. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, knowledge of Greek conceptions of the world deteriorated in Western Europe during the early centuries (400 to 1000 CE) of the Middle Ages, but was preserved in the Muslim world during the Islamic Golden Age. The recovery and assimilation of Greek works and Islamic inquiries into Western Europe from the 10th to 13th century revived "natural philosophy", which was later transformed by the Scientific Revolution that began in the 16th century as new ideas and discoveries departed from previous Greek conceptions and traditions. The scientific method soon played a greater role in knowledge creation and it was not until the 19th century that many of the institutional and professional features of science began to take shape; along with the changing of "natural philosophy" to "natural science."Modern science is typically divided into three major branches that consist of the natural sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, and physics), which study nature in the broadest sense; the social sciences (e.g., economics, psychology, and sociology), which study individuals and societies; and the formal sciences (e.g., logic, mathematics, and theoretical computer science), which deal with symbols governed by rules. There is disagreement, however, on whether the formal sciences actually constitute a science as they do not rely on empirical evidence. Disciplines that use existing scientific knowledge for practical purposes, such as engineering and medicine, are described as applied sciences.New knowledge in science is advanced by research from scientists who are motivated by curiosity about the world and a desire to solve problems. Contemporary scientific research is highly collaborative and is usually done by teams in academic and research institutions, government agencies, and companies. The practical impact of their work has led to the emergence of science policies that seek to influence the scientific enterprise by prioritizing the development of commercial products, armaments, health care, public infrastructure, and environmental protection.

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  1. T

    Math Do Math-Intensive Careers in Computer Science Offer Many Industry Opportunities?

    Hello PF, I'm a high school student in a math and science program. I'm currently planning on doing a double major in math and computer science, and I have a couple questions. Firstly, are there areas of computer science that heavily use math and require originality? I understand that most likely...
  2. P

    Programs 26 yo pharma journalist looking for hard science masters.

    Hi everyone, My details: Age: 26 Education: Bachelor's in Mass Media; Post-graduate Diploma in Journalism Work ex: 5 years for an international news agency covering pharmaceuticals and healthcare. I loved science in high school and was great at it, but couldn't continue due to some unavoidable...
  3. P

    Can a Journalism Background Lead to a Successful Career in Earth Sciences?

    Hi everyone, My details: Age: 26 Education: Bachelor's in Mass Media; Post-graduate Diploma in Journalism Work ex: 5 years for an international news agency covering pharmaceuticals and healthcare. I loved science in high school and was great at it, but couldn't continue due to some unavoidable...
  4. BillTre

    Exploring the Universe: False Color Overlays of the Night Sky from Australia

    I like well done visual displays of science. Lets see what other people can come up with! Here's one I found, overlays of the night sky from Australia, in false color of a wide range of radiation frequencies.
  5. N

    B Why technology & science progress slow / slower than sci-fi?

    In science fiction (sci-fi), everything seems to be much more 'cool' / cooler than in reality. Space travel (like Interstellar), teleport / teleportation, time travel / time machine, going to another planet / another dimensions / another universes, cell regeneration even to the point of...
  6. jamalkoiyess

    Programs Computer science minor for a physics major

    Hello PF, I am a physics sophomore this year and i took a course on java programming as an elective. And i just loved it! Really the harder it became the more i liked it. So i decided that i want to do something about it. But i don't know if a minor or a major is better for a physics major. And...
  7. SuperSusanoo

    Schools Frustrated computer science student

    Hello people, I am currently a computer science student and I think that what I am doing is not making any sense. Everyday I wake up and go to a class that doesn't make any sense to me. I study just to pass a foolish exam. That's not learning. That's not life. The reason why I chose computer...
  8. CapnGranite

    National Academies Science Literacy book 2016

    https://www.nap.edu/catalog/23595/science-literacy-concepts-contexts-and-consequences Science Literacy: Concepts, Contexts, and Consequences "Science is a way of knowing about the world. At once a process, a product, and an institution, science enables people to both engage in the construction...
  9. victorhugo

    Job Skills How do I get involved in Science early?

    I will be going to university next year to do biological sciences major for 1 year then move on to physics for 2 or 3 more years until I finish my bachelor for physics. however, I'm much more of a hands-on person. I love performing simple experiments at home and playing around with the results...
  10. D

    Admissions How to balance idealism and science?

    I spoke with a professor I'm working with about my personal statement for graduate school. She took issue with my beginning paragraph: "My interest in plant science grew out of my desire to create peace between humanity and their environment. Anxiety over doomsday scares of global warming drove...
  11. CapnGranite

    I CMB-S4 Science Book: First Edition | The Universe's Secrets

    https://arxiv.org/pdf/1610.02743.pdf CMB-S4 Science Book First Edition The next generation “Stage-4” ground-based cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiment, CMB-S4, consisting of dedicated telescopes equipped with highly sensitive superconducting cameras operating at the South Pole, the high...
  12. Greg Bernhardt

    Insights Interview with Science Advisor DrChinese - Comments

    TheAdmin submitted a new PF Insights post Interview with Science Advisor DrChinese Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  13. M

    Programs Electronics engineering or material science engineering?

    Hello everyone, I'm a sophomore student and I'm a bit confused about deciding my diploma programme. I'm really interested in physics and I don't want to work on a study field which is just full of mechanical things. EE sounds cool because of it's being hard and there are only a few people who...
  14. L

    Why do so many people hate science?

    It seems to happen very often nowadays that people who are not scientists or aren't interested in science feel the need to express very strong, negative views on science and research, and on professionals in these fields. For instance, every time an article about a new scientific finding is...
  15. victorhugo

    I What computer science would you need for astrophysics?

    when they say c.s., do they mean a coding language? if so, which one(s)?
  16. N

    Engineering Climate science or related technologies?

    I just started studying physics in undergrad and am considering working on Earth systems/climate. How much more do you think we can do in terms of science? Surely a lot, but maybe technology (energy, carbon capture) is more prudent right now. Thanks.
  17. FramedLink

    Engineering Best physics and other science books

    Hey guys. I'm Alex and I'm a 26 year old guy who just entered into University to get my Bachelor's degree in Electrotechnology with Computer Control, after 25 years of doing completely nothing this is my last chance to achieve something that I want, so I'm exited. But to the point, I live in...
  18. astro_chara

    B Astrophysics Science Fair Project Ideas?

    Hi, a friend and I are planning to participate in a county science fair this year. We're in need of ideas, especially since we want to focus on a project in astrophysics that we would be able to test. Or research. We can get access to an observatory, and maybe perform the research there. Any...
  19. astro_chara

    Exploring the Fifth Force: A Promising Frontier in Physics?

    I have to write an essay on a current scientific idea or concept that is still considered emerging or experimental. Does anyone have any ideas as to what topic I should write? I'm looking for more physics-related topics, and I've considered writing about the "fifth force," though I'm not sure...
  20. Firedog89

    Programs Software Engineering or Computer Science degree?

    I wanted to know which one was better for finding jobs and salary wise or are both pretty much the same. Computer Science or Software Engineering degree? Also would anyone recommend getting the degree online?
  21. hsdrop

    Science fiction stuff that could never happen

    I would not mind hearing about some of the things that we have either read or watched in the sci-fi world that could never happen in real life (pet peeves and/or total imposables) just to have a little fun debunking and setting strate some of the thing that we have all seen that other may...
  22. J

    Job Skills Importance of Intelligence in science

    I’ve constantly been informed that I am smart, if not brilliant by everyone around me. Unfortuantely for me, I’ve always believed that, and have never worked hard as a result, managing to get good grades without any work, which has further influenced my perception of myself. Recently, however, I...
  23. Timvizz95

    What sparked your love for the natural sciences?

    My names tim, and I am a first year physics student but I've had a love for the natural sciences since I was little. I am 21 years old, and some of my favorite things to do are reading and playing drums. Music has always been a close second to science for me. I hope to get to know some cool...
  24. Greg Bernhardt

    Biggest science or math pet peeve

    Could be a common wrong definition or an ineffient way to solve a certain equation. I don't know, what in science and math bugs you? Educators should fill this thread! :D
  25. C

    Essential skills for science and math review

    Hello, I am in my first semester of graduate school after 4 years being out of school. I brushed up on calculus but some essentials are gone. I was doing kinetic problems and had to find concentrations. I automatically knew to get rid of ln x I need to use an exponential. My mind went blank when...
  26. AnthoPhysx

    Engineering Which career can I get the most out of science?

    Long story short... I have been in community college for quite a while now and I just recently switched my major to Electrical Engineering from Business Administration. I personally just found that career path so boring and so I started hanging out with the science nerds at my community college...
  27. Y

    Other Confused between Physics and Computer Science

    Hello! I am a first year student studying Physics. I chose Physics because I really like it. But now that my classes have started, Physics seems a little more demanding than what I previously had in mind. I am also keenly interested in Computer Science. So, I can't decide between the two...
  28. High Priest of Sol

    Science question for story I'm writing

    The origin of the universe for an upcoming story I have planned hinges around an idea where, when the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs hit Earth, instead of wiping out the dinosaurs, it opened up a portal that deposited them in another part of the galaxy. Now, this is of course most assuredly...
  29. Greg Bernhardt

    Insights Name the Science Photo - Comments

    TheAdmin submitted a new PF Insights post Name the Science Photo Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  30. doggonemess

    Middle aged student of all sciences and trades

    Greetings, my name is Jamie. I'm a web developer in Maryland, working for a community college. I've been interested in science my entire life, and love learning new things. I graduated HS in 1995, and have managed to forget just about everything I learned about math, so it unfortunately limits...
  31. doggonemess

    Wanted: specific youtube science series, forgot who made it....

    This is a desperate attempt to find a set of videos I saw about a year ago on YouTube. It was not one of the big, well known guys like Veritasium or SciShow, it was just one middle aged guy. He explained scientific advancements through history, and gave really, really detailed accounts of how...
  32. S

    Interesting essay on Science in the Age of Selfies

    Hi everyone. I wanted to post this interesting essay by Donald and Stuart Geman on Science in the Age of Selfies. http://www.stat.berkeley.edu/~aldous/Blog/PNAS-2016-Geman.pdf The essay raises some interesting questions on the scientific enterprise in the age of online communication and great...
  33. N

    Is there a lack of science in our justice system

    So you are on trial for robbing a bank. the prosecuter has all this scientific evidence aginst you. Finger prints, DNA samples and a result from a lie detector test. All this science has been used to find you guilty, but then they sentence you on the basis you have free will when there is...
  34. L

    I want to find a cure for herpes. What should I major in?

    I want to find a cure for the herpes virus. How would I go about getting the education and qualifications needed?
  35. StudentOfScience

    Studying How to Study Science: Integrating Spaced Repetition Review

    Note: for easy reference, "serious" questions and such are italicized. I also should note that although the title says "science", I include many references to mathematics (I suppose one could argue that it is a science in some senses). Furthermore, in another thread that I've posted, some people...
  36. L

    Programs Joint Degree in Computer Science and Physics.

    Hello,I just graduated from high school and i will be starting university in fall 2016 at the University of Manitoba in Canada. They have a joint degree program in physics and computer science which is a program I'm considering since, I enjoy studying about both disciplines. I would like your...
  37. Astronuc

    Agronomy, Soil Science, and just plain Dirt

    Agronomy and soil science are about dirt. The two used to be synonymous, but agronomy has evolved to so much more, and soil science is subtopic or subset. According to the Wikipedia article - "Agronomy (Ancient Greek ἀγρός agrós 'field' + νόμος nómos 'law') is the science and technology of...
  38. M

    Schools I'm in a country where science isn't appreciated, what should I do?

    This may be a bit too long for a thread, but believe me, this is as short as it can get I have always seen myself as a physicist, Always had interest in how the world works, and the mechanics of the universe. Now the problem is, I am from a country in North Africa, Algeria, and I don't...
  39. Quentin_alex

    Chemistry Chemistry, material science, and med school

    Hello, I am currently a materials science major going into my junior year. I recently gained interest in medical school (specifically anesthesiology and radiology) However, I do not know if this is going to be the plan yet for me. I am thinking about changing my major to chemistry, so that I...
  40. parshyaa

    Best science book that changed your life

    Just like books by "Jules verne" changed Dr emmit brown's life in the movie " Back to the future" and then he decided that he should dedicate his life for the love of science. Book that motivated you for science. I am waiting to hear your story so get set go.
  41. F

    Where Can Fringe Science Be Discussed?

    We know that throughout history established ideas, that the people in their time had great confidence into be the final end all, often turned out to be incomplete or wrong. Ideas that challenged the status quo were often first met with great resistance and closed mindedness. This is...
  42. physics985

    Programs Any good study guides to help with reading a science degree?

    I'm studying physics and going into third year (Scottish Uni). Any recommended study guides specifically for physics/science?
  43. anorlunda

    Is Science Vulnerable to Software Bugs?

    I'm reposting this here because it raises a fascinating kind of vulnerability (new to me). It is a vulnerabililty of any science using software for analysis to a common-mode error. The thought that 40,000 scientific teams were fooled is shocking. It is a good post, it links sources both...
  44. 1oldman2

    Hotrod Rocket Science: Methane Fuel

    No question this time, just wanted to share this. I searched the posts and only came up with an eleven year old thread, so I thought it might be time to post a new one. I particularly found the aspect of Methane fuel interesting...
  45. B

    LeBron James' Verizon science experiment

    In the current Verizon ad featuring LeBron James in a physics lab, there is an instrument displayed prominently in front of each student. What is it?
  46. nikirock021

    Computer engineering or computer science?

    Hi guys. I'm a junior in high school and am debating on which field to pursue. I know it's a bit early for me but I've always wanted to go into a career with computers and just wanted some help. I'm sure similar questions have been asked before but if you would be so kind as of to answer some of...
  47. Deepak K Kapur

    The use of the word 'model' in science

    It is often said that science is a 'model' of reality out there. I think this statement is wrong. It presupposes that there is a reality that is beyond 'modelling'. Suppose, someone really finds out the reality 'as it really is'. ( I am not saying there surely is). She would first of all...
  48. M

    Help with studying computer science

    I want to become computer expert in all aspects I know programming I study Electrical Engineering in university and I love computers I want to know computers in basic level If I want to learn basic about computers what work should I do? between data structures , operating system , computer...
  49. Avatrin

    What Are the Best Resources for Understanding Different Types of Theories?

    Hi I recently skimmed through a book called the Structure of Theory. It's a book about what kinds of theories exist. I would like to learn more about this. What books and websites can you guys recommend? I would prefer a resource with specific examples of what kinds of theories exist in...
  50. I

    Engineering Engineering or Biomedical Science?

    Hi, Here's my dilemma... I have been accepted into both courses. I applied for Engineering first but am afraid I am not smart or driven enough to complete it. It is also 3 hours away from home, therefore, I would have to move out but unfortunately since I don't have a job my Mum has offered to...
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