Applying the Scientific Method to Learn from Mistakes and Approach Truth

Description

In its simplest form, the scientific method can be thought of as learning from our mistakes and trying to correct them. True scientists try to think rationally, never adopt dogmatic opinions and are always willing to listen to opposing views. They never claim to know the absolute truth but are relentless in their search for it. In this timely book, the author describes the fundamentals of critical scientific thinking. The book further examines the correct use of the scientific method and how to apply it to current events and scientific topics to obtain honest assessments. Current controversies discussed include climate change and COVID-related lockdowns. Additional Features include Demonstrates the use of the scientific method to assist with objective analysis of issues. Addresses that induction plays a role but the true method for advancing knowledge is hypothesis-deduction. Explores current hot topics within the framework of the scientific method. Outlines common misunderstandings of the scientific method. Applying the Scientific Method to Learn from Mistakes and Approach Truth is approachable enough for the general public and recommended for university and advanced high school science educators and their students. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Preface About the Author Chapter One The Importance of Building Resilience Early Memories Pre-university Days University Days Vacation Work Reflections of My Early Days What Mistakes Have Been Made? References Chapter Two Scientific Thinking and How It Can Be Applied Early Research Experience The Role of Dimensions Learning an Important Lesson The Scientific Method The Generality of Applying the Scientific Method Postdoctoral Experience and Employment in CSIRO Reflections of Research in CSIRO How Has Scientific Research Changed in Recent Decades? References Chapter Three Our Failing Education System The Case of Cardinal George Pell Anthropogenic Global Warming How Have Educational Standards Been Performing? The Importance of Critical Thinking Exercises to Practise Identifying Faulty Thinking Debating Role of Wonder and Awe in Education Health and Nutrition Bullying The Role of Physical Activity in Learning The Importance of Personal Hygiene References Chapter Four How Political Debate Should Work in a Democracy Indicators of Moves Towards Extremism Refusal to Accept the Result of a Democratic Election Attempts to Silence Opposition Lack of Humour Distortion of Facts How Scientific Thinking Might Contribute to Political Debate Applying the Scientific Method to Issues That Involve Science Anthropogenic Global Warming The Hypothetico-Deductive Scientific Method The Merit of a Hypothesis How a Belief Can Be Imposed On an Uninformed Public How Can We Determine If Anthropogenic Global Warming Is Significant? Possible Approaches to Finding an Answer A Hiatus in Global Warming The Medieval Warm Period Global Warming-Carbon Dioxide Correlation References Chapter Five Fairness and Equality Understanding Fairness and Equality How Should One Deal With Inequality? How Do We Understand Fairness? Gullibility Is Widespread We Have to Accept That There Will Be Unfairness Reference Chapter Six Education, Schooling, and the Curriculum Ideas of John Gatto Ideas of John Medina Ideas of Martin Seligman Teaching of History Critical Thinking Understanding the Scientific Method References Chapter Seven Where Have We Been Going Wrong in Our Society? Anthropogenic Global Warming The Lockdowns in Response to the Coronavirus Resilience Education in the School System Tertiary Education Corporations The Media Questions to Ponder References Chapter Eight How Do We Fix What Has Been Going Wrong? Resilience Anthropogenic Global Warming Lockdowns in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic School Education Tertiary Education Corporations The Media Bureaucracy Judiciary Concluding Comments References Chapter Nine Summary and Hopes for the Future Chapter Ten What Are Some of the Mistakes and Can They Be Corrected? Scientific Community The Teaching and Education Community The Psychological and Psychiatric Community Politicians The Bureaucracy The Judiciary The Media The Public Political Systems References Index