Science makes no pretension to eternal truth or absolute truth

Science makes no pretension to eternal truth or absolute truth

E. T. Bell, a renowned mathematician and author, once famously said, "Science makes no pretension to eternal truth or absolute truth." This statement encapsulates the essence of the scientific method and the ever-evolving nature of scientific knowledge.

Science is a dynamic and constantly evolving field that is based on empirical evidence, experimentation, and observation. Scientists formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, analyze data, and draw conclusions based on the evidence at hand. However, these conclusions are always subject to revision and refinement as new evidence emerges or new theories are proposed.

The idea of eternal or absolute truth implies a fixed and unchanging reality that is beyond question or doubt. In contrast, science acknowledges the limitations of human knowledge and the fallibility of scientific theories. Scientific knowledge is always provisional and subject to revision in light of new evidence or better explanations.

For example, the theory of evolution by natural selection, proposed by Charles Darwin in the 19th century, has undergone numerous revisions and refinements over the years as new evidence has emerged from fields such as genetics, paleontology, and molecular biology. While the basic principles of evolution remain well-supported by the evidence, the details of how evolution works continue to be refined and updated.

Similarly, in the field of physics, the theories of relativity and quantum mechanics have revolutionized our understanding of the universe, but they are not considered to be eternal or absolute truths. Scientists continue to explore the frontiers of physics, seeking to reconcile these two theories and develop a more comprehensive understanding of the fundamental laws of nature.