Science Is Not Infallible
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Science Is Not Infallible

But you should still trust it!

744
Science Is Not Infallible
Wikimedia Commons

Science is and always will be imperfect. For thousands of years, scientists and physicians often stood by and followed theories that were later discarded for a more accurate theory. Now I want you to take note of the word "theory." If you were to Google the definition of theory it would read "a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained." While this is a correct definition it does not stand up to what a scientific theory, which is "a scientific truth that has substantial evidence." Keep that in mind as you read the word "essay." Now without further ado, allow me to list the times science was wrong.

One such theory was that of the Geocentric universe, the idea that the Earth is the center of our solar system. This theory was widely accepted by scientists until Nicholas Copernicus disproved the theory in 1543 with this book "De revolutionibus orbium coelestium."

Another one is the Miasmatic theory of disease. During the Middle Ages, it was believed that diseases were caused by being exposed to miasma (or "bad air"). This theory was received until the 1800s, when germ theory began to take its place.

The static universe theory was also a theory that was popular with scientists at the time. Scientists firmly believed that our universe was static and never changed. This idea was challenged when Edward Hubble in the 1920s found that distant objects were moving away faster than nearby ones. In fact less than 20 years ago, we found out that the rate of speed these objects are moving away from each other has been increasing for some time now!

Now based off this small sampling of examples, you may start thinking to yourself "Should we still trust science? I mean if modern science may be proven wrong in the later future, should we continue to trust it?"

The answer is abso-fucking-lutely.

Science is adaptable to change. If a theory is proven wrong, it will eventually be discarded in favor of the new one. It won't peddle false information or anything like that. Essentially science adapts to new information. That is why you should still trust it.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
beer on the beach

Summer is hot and humid, and it's almost like summer was made specifically to drink the refreshing, cold, crisp wonderful, delicious, nutritious nectar of the gods. Which is none other than beer; wonderful cold beer. With summer playing peek-a-boo around the corner while we finish up this semester, it's time to discuss the only important part of summer. And if you haven't already guessed, it's beer. There are few things I take more seriously than my beer, in order are: sports... and beer. Here are my favorite summer brews:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

7 Reasons SoCal Rocks!

75 degrees and sunny, plus, no humidity. I mean do I really need to say more?

1073
woman in black and white long sleeve shirt carrying girl in red jacket in Venice beach
Photo by Jeff Hopper on Unsplash

SoCal summers are the best summers by far, and honestly, no argument is needed. But, if you aren't sure why SoCal summers are the best, here are 7 reasons why!

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

25 Lyrics for Selfie Captions

Because let's be honest, we all use lyrics.

53556
woman takes a selfie for social media
Pixabay

Sometimes you can't think of the perfect caption for your Instagram post. I love using lyrics as my captions because there's so many great lines in songs that just seem to fit in the moment. Here are some lyrics that could work for your selfie or pictures of you with your friends!

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Bruce Springsteen's Top 7 Lyrics

Everything Bruce says in his classic rock songs.

20016
bruce springsteen album cover born in the usa

Anyone who was born and raised in New Jersey (or anywhere really) knows of Bruce Springsteen, whether or not they like him is a whole other situation. I hope that his hundreds of classic rock songs and famous high energy performances, even in his sixties he can put on better concerts than people half his age, are at least recognizable to people of all ages. Love him or hate him (I identify with the former) you have to admit that some of his songs and interviews have inspirational quotes and lyrics.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

New England Summers Are The BEST Summers

Why you should spend your next summer in New England.

3680
Marconi Beach

Three years ago, I chose to attend college in Philadelphia, approximately 360 miles away from my small town in New Hampshire. I have learned many valuable lessons away from home, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in Pennsylvania. One thing that my experience has taught me, however, is that it is absolutely impossible to beat a New England summer.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments