Scientific Thinking vs. Common Sense | Traditional Summary
Contextualization
Throughout history, humans have always sought to understand the world around them. From this quest arose two distinct forms of knowledge: common sense and scientific thinking. Common sense is a form of knowledge based on everyday experiences, traditions, and intuitions that are passed from generation to generation. It is subjective and non-systematic, shaped by individual and collective perceptions of each culture. Examples of common sense include popular sayings and beliefs that do not require scientific proof to be accepted by society.
On the other hand, scientific thinking emerged from a need to understand the world more rigorously and structured. This type of knowledge is grounded in systematic methods, observation, experimentation, and strict analysis of evidence. Scientific thinking is objective and aims for universality, allowing the knowledge generated to be verified and repeated by other researchers. The Scientific Revolution was an important milestone in the development of scientific thinking, establishing the foundations for modern scientific practices. Examples of scientific thinking include theories such as the Theory of Evolution and the Theory of Relativity, which were developed through rigorous methods and verifiable evidence.
Historical Context
The development of scientific thinking and common sense is deeply intertwined with the history of humanity. Common sense is a form of empirical knowledge that has existed since the dawn of civilization, transmitted from generation to generation through everyday experiences and traditions. It is shaped by individual and collective perceptions of each culture, not requiring scientific proof to be accepted. For example, many ancient agricultural practices were based on empirical observations and passed down orally.
Scientific thinking, on the other hand, began to take shape during the Scientific Revolution, which occurred between the 16th and 17th centuries. This period was marked by significant advances in several areas of knowledge, such as astronomy, physics, and biology. Scientists like Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton, and Francis Bacon were pioneers in the development of scientific methods that emphasized systematic observation, experimentation, and rigorous analysis of evidence. The Scientific Revolution established the foundations for modern scientific practices, distinguishing itself from common sense through its objectivity and systematic nature.
Over time, scientific thinking evolved and became an essential tool for technological development and understanding the natural world. Its rigorous and methodological approach allowed for the formulation of universal theories, such as Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution and Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity. These theories not only expanded our knowledge but also challenged and, in many cases, replaced beliefs and practices based on common sense.
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Common sense is empirical knowledge, passed from generation to generation.
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Scientific thinking emerged during the Scientific Revolution and is characterized by rigorous and systematic methods.
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The evolution of scientific thinking allowed for the formulation of universal theories that challenged beliefs based on common sense.
Definition and Characteristics of Common Sense
Common sense is knowledge acquired through everyday experiences, traditions, and intuitions. It is subjective and non-systematic, varying from culture to culture and shaped by individual and collective perceptions. Common sense is often based on empirical observations that are not necessarily verified or analyzed rigorously. For example, many popular sayings, such as 'patience brings rewards,' are accepted by society without the need for scientific evidence.
An important characteristic of common sense is its accessibility. Everyone possesses some level of knowledge based on common sense, as it is acquired naturally through life experience and social interaction. However, this accessibility also makes common sense vulnerable to errors and unfounded beliefs. For example, the belief that the Earth is flat was widely accepted in the past until it was refuted by scientific evidence.
Despite its limitations, common sense plays a crucial role in everyday life. It provides a practical basis for making quick decisions and solving immediate problems. However, it is important to recognize its limitations and be willing to question and revise beliefs based on common sense in light of new evidence and scientific knowledge.
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Common sense is acquired through everyday experiences, traditions, and intuitions.
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It is subjective and non-systematic, varying from culture to culture.
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Despite being practical and accessible, common sense is vulnerable to errors and unfounded beliefs.
Definition and Characteristics of Scientific Thinking
Scientific thinking is a structured and systematic approach to investigating and understanding the natural world. It is based on rigorous methods that include observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, result analysis, and conclusion. The goal of scientific thinking is to produce objective and verifiable knowledge that can be repeated and confirmed by other researchers.
One of the main characteristics of scientific thinking is its objectivity. Unlike common sense, which is subjective and influenced by individual perceptions, scientific thinking seeks to eliminate personal bias and ensure that conclusions are based on verifiable evidence. This is achieved through controlled experimentation and rigorous analysis of collected data. For example, Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution was developed based on detailed observations and evidence collected over many years.
In addition to objectivity, scientific thinking is also characterized by its systematic nature. Each step of the scientific method is carefully planned and executed to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results. The repeatability of experiments and peer review are fundamental to ensuring that the knowledge produced is robust and reliable. This allows scientific thinking to continuously advance, correcting errors and expanding our understanding of the world.
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Scientific thinking is based on rigorous and systematic methods.
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It seeks to produce objective and verifiable knowledge, eliminating personal bias.
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The repeatability of experiments and peer review are fundamental to the reliability of scientific knowledge.
Scientific Methods
Scientific methods are a set of procedures used to investigate phenomena, acquire new knowledge, or correct and integrate pre-existing knowledge. They include several steps that are followed systematically to ensure that the results are accurate and reliable. The main steps of the scientific method include observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, result analysis, and conclusion.
Observation is the first step of the scientific method and involves collecting data about a specific phenomenon. This can be done through direct or indirect experiences. From these observations, scientists formulate hypotheses, which are provisional explanations or assumptions that can be tested through experimentation. Experimentation is the stage where hypotheses are tested in a controlled manner to verify their validity. This may involve manipulating variables and conducting repeated trials to ensure the accuracy of the results.
After experimentation, scientists analyze the results to determine whether the hypotheses were confirmed or refuted. This analysis may include the use of statistical tools and data visualization techniques. Finally, scientists reach a conclusion based on the analysis of the data, which may support or reject the initial hypothesis. The conclusion is then subject to peer review, where other scientists evaluate the validity and reliability of the results before they are accepted by the scientific community.
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Scientific methods include observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, result analysis, and conclusion.
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Observation is the first step and involves collecting data about a specific phenomenon.
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Peer review is fundamental to ensure the validity and reliability of scientific results.
Comparison between Common Sense and Scientific Thinking
A direct comparison between common sense and scientific thinking reveals several fundamental differences. Common sense is subjective and based on everyday experiences and traditions, while scientific thinking is objective and grounded in rigorous and systematic methods. Common sense does not require scientific proof and may vary from one culture to another, while scientific thinking seeks the universality and verifiability of its conclusions.
In terms of organization, common sense is non-systematic and often based on individual observations and intuitions. On the other hand, scientific thinking follows a structured set of procedures, known as the scientific method, which includes observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, result analysis, and conclusion. This systematic approach ensures the accuracy and reliability of scientific knowledge.
The applicability of the two types of knowledge also differs. Common sense is useful for solving immediate and practical problems in everyday life but can be limited and inaccurate. Scientific thinking, on the other hand, allows for the formulation of universal theories that can be applied in various areas of knowledge and are essential for technological development and innovation.
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Common sense is subjective and based on everyday experiences, while scientific thinking is objective and systematic.
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Scientific thinking follows a rigorous method that includes observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, analysis, and conclusion.
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Common sense is useful for immediate problems, but scientific thinking is essential for technological development and innovation.
To Remember
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Scientific Thinking: Structured investigation process that seeks to understand the world through observation, experimentation, and rigorous analysis.
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Common Sense: Knowledge based on everyday experiences, traditions, and intuitions, being subjective and non-systematic.
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Objectivity: Characteristic of scientific thinking that seeks to eliminate personal bias and ensure that conclusions are based on verifiable evidence.
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Subjectivity: Characteristic of common sense influenced by individual and collective perceptions.
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Evidence: Information and data collected through observation and experimentation that are used to support or refute scientific hypotheses.
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Experimentation: Stage of the scientific method where hypotheses are tested in a controlled manner to verify their validity.
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Peer Review: Process of evaluating scientific results by other researchers to ensure their validity and reliability.
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Theory of Evolution: Scientific theory developed by Charles Darwin that explains the diversity of species through natural selection.
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Theory of Relativity: Scientific theory developed by Albert Einstein that revolutionized the understanding of physics and space-time.
Conclusion
During the lesson, we discussed the fundamental differences between scientific thinking and common sense. Common sense is based on everyday experiences, traditions, and intuitions, being subjective and non-systematic. In contrast, scientific thinking is structured, grounded in rigorous methods, observation, experimentation, and evidence analysis, seeking objectivity and universality.
We explored how scientific thinking evolved from the Scientific Revolution and how it differs from common sense in terms of organization and foundation. Through practical and historical examples, such as the Theory of Evolution and the Theory of Relativity, we saw how scientific thinking disproves popular beliefs based on common sense.
Understanding these differences is crucial for developing critical and grounded thinking. The knowledge acquired in this lesson enables students to analyze information more rigorously, question unfounded beliefs, and make evidence-based decisions—essential skills in a world filled with information and news.
Study Tips
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Revisit the practical examples discussed in class and try to identify other instances where scientific thinking disproves common sense.
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Read articles and books about the history of the Scientific Revolution and the main scientists who contributed to the development of scientific thinking.
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Practice applying the scientific method in small everyday investigations by formulating hypotheses and experimenting to validate or refute your assumptions.
