|
One of the differences between physics and non-science subjects is the remarkable character of the knowledge framework of physics. There are great discoveries and revolutions but, if they are soundly based, they eventually become part of a framework accepted by physicists everywhere. The scheme of concepts and ideas in physics is a fairly unchanging, at least in the timescale of pupils and teachers.
When there are disagreements in physics they can often be settled by one series of measurements, which both sides in the dispute agree will be decisive one way or the other. Some disagreements are harder to settle. For some years it was not clear whether or not global warming was happening but it is now agreed that the evidence is overwhelming. That evidence is based on observations of the real world.
|
What is science?
Sir David King, chief Scientific adviser to the government explains how science knowledge differs from other forms of knowledge.
(Requires Flash)
|
|
This is not to say that false claims are never made. The point is that it will not be long before they are questioned, tested and thrown out.
 Contravening the scientists' ethical code
In 2001 a nuclear physicist,  Dr Victor Ninov claimed he had found evidence for a new element in the Periodic Table, element -118. The experiments could not be repeated and when all the data was re-examined it was found that there was clear evidence of fabrication.
The importance of peer review
It was peer review of Korean scientist Hwang Woo-suk's articles about his research into cloning human embryos to create stem cells that uncovered the fact that he had made much of it up.
 IoP's Code of Conduct
|
Print friendly version
No comments yet. Why not be the first person to add one?
What's your opinion?
Average rating
Not yet rated