The Scientific Method: Do You Use It?

[John Helpher]

I'm posting this video here in the outreach section because I often chat with Atheists and Skeptics who talk about using the scientific method to reach conclusions, and I find that often neither Atheists nor Christians seem to have a solid grasp on just what the scientific method is or how to apply it properly when formulating conclusions.

I'm curious to get some discussion going from both Atheists and Christians on these issues; how do we know when the other party is using the scientific method and are we humble enough to recognize it when they do? I look forward to hearing what you all think.

 

[Resha Caner]

Not for everything, but yes, I use the scientific method for my job.

 

[durangodawood]

....how do we know when the other party is using the scientific method and are we humble enough to recognize it when they do?....

I'm pretty much never doing actual science myself. So while I try to be reasonable about formulating understandings, I really dont apply the proper method to much.

But... when evaluating scientific topics, I rely on reporting of individuals and institutions that have a solid reputation for scientific rigor.

 

[Subduction Zone]

I'm posting this video here in the outreach section because I often chat with Atheists and Skeptics who talk about using the scientific method to reach conclusions, and I find that often neither Atheists nor Christians seem to have a solid grasp on just what the scientific method is or how to apply it properly when formulating conclusions.

I'm curious to get some discussion going from both Atheists and Christians on these issues; how do we know when the other party is using the scientific method and are we humble enough to recognize it when they do? I look forward to hearing what you all think.

How about a TLDL? I see that it is supposedly about the scientific method and Christianity. What reasonable test does he specify that could refute Christian beliefs?

 

[Ophiolite]

I'm posting this video here in the outreach section because I often chat with Atheists and Skeptics who talk about using the scientific method to reach conclusions, and I find that often neither Atheists nor Christians seem to have a solid grasp on just what the scientific method is or how to apply it properly when formulating conclusions.

I'm curious to get some discussion going from both Atheists and Christians on these issues; how do we know when the other party is using the scientific method and are we humble enough to recognize it when they do? I look forward to hearing what you all think.

I think it is questionable whether the opportunity to use the scientific method could ever (ethically) arise in a discussion on CF. If you, or any member, can tell me how I would welcome it.

It is however possible to use aspects of the scientific method in discussions and certainly following practices consistent with its spirit. This would include:

• Presenting a well structured argument.
• Being precise with any questions or answers
• Staying focused on a central point.
• Properly and fully considering contrary arguments
• Providing links to solid evidence/arguments, ideally in - or based upon - peer reviewed articles from reputable journals

There are doubtless more, but these occurred to me off the top of my head.

If the other party is not following these and related practices they are not following a scientific approach.

Hope that helps.

 

[cloudyday2]

Can somebody summarize the gist of the video? 30 minutes is too long for me.

 

[ZNP]

I'm posting this video here in the outreach section because I often chat with Atheists and Skeptics who talk about using the scientific method to reach conclusions, and I find that often neither Atheists nor Christians seem to have a solid grasp on just what the scientific method is or how to apply it properly when formulating conclusions.

I'm curious to get some discussion going from both Atheists and Christians on these issues; how do we know when the other party is using the scientific method and are we humble enough to recognize it when they do? I look forward to hearing what you all think.

Yes I use the scientific method in my job and conduct several experiments a year in my research.