A Question of Epistemology: What is Science?

Abstract

This article deals with epistemology and the philosophy of science; it is a topic about what we know and how we know what we know. We elucidate the origin of science and distinguish it from philosophy. We explain how the recent paradigm shift in science compels us to reassess epistemology. We define science and reveal how Francis Bacon’s four idols continue to create many controversies in the scientific community. We differentiate between the two types of scientists that exist and highlight fundamental research and exploratory research to help young students in academia distinguish them. We compare and disclose the difference between reality and fact, hypothesis and theory, evidence and proof. We revisit the old battle in the history of epistemology and re-examine the brawl between the British empiricists and the continental rationalists. Finally, we introduce the peer review process and elucidate why laypeople struggle to grasp its meaning and purpose.

Keywords: Empiricism, Rationalism, Bacon’s Four Idols, The Scientific Method, Skepticism, Philosophy of Science, Scientific Research, Peer Review