The Science Portal
Science, in the broadest sense of the term, refers to any system of knowledge attained by verifiable means. In a more restricted sense,
science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge based on
empiricism,
experimentation, and methodological
naturalism, as well as to the organized body of
knowledge humans have gained by such
research.
Scientists maintain that scientific investigation must adhere to the scientific method, a process for properly developing and evaluating natural explanations for observable phenomena based on empirical study and independent verification. Science therefore, rejects supernatural explanations and arguments from authority.
Fields of science are commonly classified along two major lines: Natural sciences, which study natural phenomena; and Social sciences, which study human behavior and societies. Whether mathematics is a science is a matter of perspective.
Fields of science can be further distinguished as pure science or applied science. Pure science is principally involved with the discovery of new truths with less (or no) regard to their applications. Applied science is principally involved with the application of existing knowledge in new ways.
An 18th Century Persian astrolabe used for determining the time at both day and night. The points of the curved spikes on the front rete plate, mark the positions of the brightest stars. The name of each star being labeled at the base of each spike. The back plate, or mater is engraved with projected coordinate lines. From the Whipple M
