Science Galileo and his telescope, c. 1609 Percival Lowell and his telescope c. 1900 Hubble Space Telescope, c. 1985 Definitions: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition.  2000. science: 1a. The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena. From The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition.  2001: The Scientific Method "The scientific method has evolved over many centuries and has now come to be described in terms of a well-recognized and well-defined series of steps. First, information, or data, is gathered by careful observation of the phenomenon being studied. On the basis of that information a preliminary generalization, or hypothesis, is formed, usually by inductive reasoning, and this in turn leads by deductive logic to a number of implications that may be tested by further observations and experiments (see induction; deduction). If the conclusions drawn from the original hypothesis successfully meet all these tests, the hypothesis becomes accepted as a scientific theory or law; if additional facts are in disagreement with the hypothesis, it may be modified or discarded in favor of a new hypothesis, which is then subjected to further tests. Even an accepted theory may eventually be overthrown if enough contradictory evidence is found, as in the case of Newtonian mechanics, which was shown after more than two centuries of acceptance to be an approximation valid only for speeds much less than that of light." Role of Measurement and Experiment "All of the activities of the scientific method are characterized by a scientific attitude, which stresses rational impartiality. Measurement plays an important role, and when possible the scientist attempts to test his theories by carefully designed and controlled experiments that will yield quantitative rather than qualitative results. Theory and experiment work together in science, with experiments leading to new theories that in turn suggest further experiments. Although these methods and attitudes are generally shared by scientists, they do not provide a guaranteed means of scientific discovery; other factors, such as intuition, experience, good judgment, and sometimes luck, also contribute to new developments in science." Assignments 1. Science assignment In your journal, consider and reflect on the following: Several readings refer to "science. " The Institute studies the "science of society". We distinguish between "Marxism-the-science" and "Marxism-the-doctrine". Why do we assign such a privilege to science? Science is a dialectic. It is a body of "systematized knowledge"; it is also a method. Science is also a product of society and history; and, very much affected by developments in the productive forces. Why are we starting with science? What are the limits of science, as revolutionaries? We will discuss at least some of the journal entries in the class. What you put in your journal of course should be informed by discussions in your collective. 2. Law system assignment In your collective, prepare a short presentation (discussion, creative interpretation, etc.) on what a law system is, using examples from history, literature, etc. 3. Doctrine assignment - 1 In your collective, pick some organization, and write down the doctrine for that organization. Distinguish between the mission of the organization, and its doctrine. Try not to mix up the doctrine of the organization (how it fights) with its tasks or its mission. 4. Doctrine assignment - 2 In your journal, consider the difference between science and doctrine. What is the relationship of science and doctrine? Why is it a problem to confuse the two? What happens when the proper relationship breaks down? Or is reversed? How can revolutionaries guarantee the proper relationship between science and doctrine?