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The scientist has no method to examine directly the past thus, he must make assumptions in order to come to conclusions.
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Since the physical world exists in the present, all the evidence a scientist has available to examine the physical world also exists in the present. These triumphs of science exist in the present and can therefore be the subjects of examination and investigation.Īnother type of science is known as “historical science,” sometimes called “origins science.” Historical science is the process of using the methods of science in the present to determine what happened in the past. Whether flying in an airplane, having our illness cured by the wonders of modern medicine, or writing this book on a space-age laptop computer, we are benefiting from the technology that applies genuine observational science to real-world needs. You see, creationists do, indeed, believe in real “observational science,” sometimes called “operational science.” We enjoy the benefits of observational science every day. What Is Science?Ĭreationists are often accused of being unscientific or pseudoscientific, while at the same time those who promote evolution assume the mantle of “real scientist.” But what is science anyway? According to The American Heritage Dictionary, science is “the observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena.” 1 Or put more simply, science involves observing things in the real world and trying to explain how they work. In order to do so, we must define some terms. Surely, evolution is about the origin and development of life-forms on earth-what has this got to do with religion? Evolution is science, isn’t it? And we are told that it has got to be separate from religious belief-at least in the classroom! Well, let’s see if evolution fits the bill as a true science as opposed to a religious belief. We are sure that many people will find the question posed as the title of this chapter a little strange.