OP of this thread, originally asked in Q&A, "what is science?" This is not all that OP did in first post, but the question is still there.
By my count, of all the people to respond to this thread, 6 posters have so far elected to offer a response to that question. I am interested in gathering those responses together in this post.
I find that those who elected to respond directly to the question, have a post that is worded as "science is" and is primarily what I am looking for as I (ahem) gather and organize the data.
In post #1, SidewalkCynic, provides the first definition on this thread:
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science is merely the defining of information.
In post #3, Infinitenow, provides the second definition:
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Science is a process by which well-defined and falsifiable predictions are put forth to explain the behavior of the natural world, where those predictions are tested, false hypothesis discarded, and every idea scrutinized. These predictions are consistent and repeatable by others with differing views.
In post #5, enorbet2, provides the third definition:
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It (science) is a testable system of gathering and organization of data that rejects cruft and places odds on reliability to allow the best possible conclusions of understanding the world.
In post #6, yours truly - Jway, provides the fourth definition:
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science is the discipline of observing, testing and forming theories based on axioms.
If viewed strictly, science is a discipline that must follow previously agreed upon methodology.
In post #11, lemit, provides the fifth definition, which lemit sources as "Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary."
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"What is science?" "[T]he state of knowing : knowledge as distinguished from ignorance or misunderstanding."
In post #14, SidewalkCynic, restated his/her definition. I would say this is same as first definition presented on this thread:
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I defined science as the behavior/action DEFINING information
In post #16, InfiniteNow, presented comprehensive definition, the sixth one on this thread, which he/she sourced from Wikipedia:
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Science (from the Latin scientia, meaning "knowledge") refers to any systematic knowledge-base or prescriptive practice that is capable of resulting in a prediction or predictable type of outcome. In this sense, science may refer to a highly skilled technique or practice.
In its more restricted contemporary sense, science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge based on scientific method, and to the organized body of knowledge gained through such research.
In post #26, while I typed up this post, GAHD provided 7th definition:
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Science is a structured approach towards gaining information.
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Okay, so we have seven definitions. And at risk of being redundant, I'm going to restate them here again, minus who said them, or what is the source. I am making ever so slight modifications to some, and if anyone disagrees with these modifications, I'm sure you will let me know.
#1: science is the behavior/action defining information.
#2: Science is a process by which well-defined and falsifiable predictions are put forth to explain the behavior of the natural world, where those predictions are tested, false hypothesis discarded, and every idea scrutinized. These predictions are consistent and repeatable by others with differing views.
#3: Science is a testable system of gathering and organization of data that rejects cruft and places odds on reliability to allow the best possible conclusions of understanding the world.
#4: Science is the discipline of observing, testing and forming theories based on axioms. If viewed strictly, science is a discipline that must follow previously agreed upon methodology.
#5: Science is the state of knowing : knowledge as distinguished from ignorance or misunderstanding.
#6: Science (from the Latin scientia, meaning "knowledge") refers to any systematic knowledge-base or prescriptive practice that is capable of resulting in a prediction or predictable type of outcome. In this sense, science may refer to a highly skilled technique or practice. In its more restricted contemporary sense, science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge based on scientific method, and to the organized body of knowledge gained through such research.
#7: Science is a structured approach towards gaining information.
And there you go. If anyone wishes to add another definition in this thread, feel free to copy and paste the 7 above and add yours next, sequentially. More to say, I have, but will do that in another post.
