Quote:
Originally Posted by Stillman16
Maybe not knowingly, but:
The Oxford English Dictionary says that scientific method is: "a method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses."
I would argue that no matter how devout the person, religous or atheist, they are constantly presented with evidence that challenges their beliefs, and as such are constantly using the scientific method to re-analyze their position. The evidence may or may not change their position, and may only shift it. |
Oh, I don't have any problem with the definition. I'm just wondering how you are interpeting it or applying it in this situation.
Just because you are presented with challenges or evidence for or against your beliefs doesn't mean you are using the scientific method to choose your position. Not even close.
The human mind doesn't use the scientific method by default when sifting through information. If it did, we would be a lot closer on a lot of different issues.
EDIT: Just thinking your way through a situation, debate, problem, or your beliefs systems is not using the scientific method. And that's assuming people are giving it a good effort at thinking, which often they are not.