What is Science It is simply not possible to give a neat definition-specifying necessary and sufficient characteristics-which separates all and only those things that have ever been called "science." The concept "science" is not as easily definable as, for example, the concept "triangle." Science is a phenomenon that has developed through the ages-dragging itself apart from religion, philosophy, superstition, and other bodies of human opinion and belief.
As a philosopher and an historian, it is my job to look at science, and to ask precisely those questions about defining characteristics. Someone is needed to talk at a more theoretical level about the nature of science-any science-and then show that creation-science simply does not fit the part. Having, as it were, appealed to the practitioners-theologians and scientists-a link still seems to be missing. Does creation-science fit the accepted definitions of a religion? (In Arkansas, the ACLU produced theologians who said that indeed it did.) One also appeals to the authority of scientists Does creation-science fit current definitions of science? (In Arkansas, the ACLU produced scientists who said that indeed it did not.) On the one hand, one naturally appeals to the authority of religious people and theologians. It is somewhat easier to describe who should participate in decisions on this issue. Its detractors claim that it is not genuine science but a form of religion-dogmatic Biblical literalism by another name.
Its advocates claim that it is genuine science and may, therefore, be legitimately and properly taught in the public schools. Obviously, the crux of the issue-the center of the plaintiffs' case-is the status of creation-science. My presence occasioned some surprise, for I am an historian and philosopher of science In this essay, I do not intend to apologize for either my existence or my calling, nor do I intend to relive past victories rather, I want to explain why a philosopher and historian of science finds the teaching of "creation-science" in science classrooms offensive In December 1981 I appeared as an expert witness for the plaintiffs and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in their successful challenge of Arkansas Act 590, which demanded that teachers give "balanced treatment" to "creation-science" and evolutionary ideas.
Testability, Confirmation, and Falsifiability.Michael Ruse: Creation-Science is not Science Michael RuseĬreation-Science is Not Science (1982)