Session Reflection on Methodology – Observations, Experimentation, Theories & Models

For this session, we began discussing the characteristics of scientific observations and experimentation, on the other hand, we conversed about the place of theories and models in science and the society. We kicked of the discussion with a bit of historical knowledge, learning about Greek philosophers, Plato (429 -347 BC) and Aristotle (384 -322 BC), who were considered to be scientist that dated back all the way to the 5th century BC.

Historical Context of Scientific Thought

Plato and Aristotle were two of the most influential philosophers in history and, Aristotle was in fact a student under Plato, Aristotle who was influenced by Plato, was able to find many faults in Plato’s theories which provoked him to critic most of Plato’s work. However, both philosophers based their theories on the same four widely accepted beliefs; that knowledge must be of what is real, the world experienced via the senses is what is real, knowledge must be of what is fixed and unchanged / unchanging and the world experienced via the senses is not fixed and unchanged / unchanging. Aristotle was the first to understand the importance of empiricism, which is the knowledge derived from investigation, observation and experimentation and which is capable of being verified.

The Role of Observation in Science

Moving on in the lecture, we discussed the role of observation, which is not only an integral part of any scientific experiment, but it is also the central element of the scientific method, hence, to improve the observation process, certain tools have been invented, i. e. microscope, cameras etc. There was a small debate between quantitative and qualitative to see which one we believed was the better one, In my opinion, quantitative would be the better of both but it would depend on the situation or context it was used in.

Experimentation and Evidence

We trailed on to the topic of experimentation which was defined as a test or trial that produces evidence that can be used to test a hypothesis. We reviewed a famous scientist, one who discovered and was able to fully describe the circulatory system in the body, William Harvey (1578- 1657), he was considered to be a pioneer to modern embryology. Harvey investigated the blood flow from the veins to the arteries, through the heart and lungs as well as to show valves in the veins. This topic was very exciting for me because as a kid I always wondered how the body used to operate.

Theory vs. Law in Science

One controversial topic we then discussed was the difference between theory and law, whereas a theory would be defined as a general statement that would correctly explain all experimental observations about such behavior and property of large varieties of objects and a scientific law would be defined as a statement of fact and is expected to be true meaning that the same result would occur. I had the opportunity to learn about Newton’s Theory of Universal Gravitation.

Reflection on the Session

This lecture session has been much more interesting in my opinion, learning about so much of scientific history has definitely had me at my peak of interest in class, and doing my own research with Plato and Aristotle was very informative and I do look forward to the next class.