Is It Science? Is It A Scientific Statement?

The Nature of Science–“CONPTT” Is It Really Science?

CONPTT

• CONPTT is an acronym. It stands for:–Constant–Observable–Natural–Predictable–Testable–Tentative

Science

Based on:

Facts

Non-science (Outside of science)

Based on:

OpinionsBeliefsFaith

CriteriaWithin the

realm of science

Outside the realm of science

ConsistentExperimental results and observations are the same.

Experimental come out different and are inconsistent.

CriteriaWithin the

realm of science

Outside the realm of science

Observable

The event or evidence for the event can be observed by the human senses or by extensions of those senses.

No tangible way to sense the event.

CriteriaWithin the

realm of science

Outside the realm of science

Natural

A natural cause or naturally occurring mechanism is used to explain how or why an event happens.

Not natural. May be religious, metaphysical, philosophical, but not tangible in the real world.

CriteriaWithin the

realm of science

Outside the realm of science

Predictable

Accurate predictions and conclusions are based on natural causes, NOT on presupposed or assumed information.

Accurate predictions and conclusions are based on natural causes but usually on presupposed or assumed information.

CriteriaWithin the

realm of science

Outside the realm of science

TestableExperiments can be designed to test the natural cause of the even.

No experiment can be designed to test the event or test it consistently.

CriteriaWithin the

realm of science

Outside the realm of science

Tentative

Explanations (laws, theories, hypotheses) of the cause (mechanism) for the event are subject to change as evidence shows the need.

Explanations of the cause of the event in question are not subject to change.

How can we tell the difference?

Science• If we are studying something and it meets ALL

6 requirements of CONPTT, then something is considered “Science”. EX: Biology

Emerging or Proto Science

• If 4-5 of the CONPTT requirements are met, we often call this “Emerging” or “Proto” science. It may not be classified as a real science yet, but as more information becomes available, it could prove to be science. Ex. Parapsychology (clairvoyance, precognition, psycho kinesis)

False or Pseudo Science

• If 3 or less requirements are met, this is False or Pseudo science. Often times, this is being advertised as “real science” but it’s just a fake out. Ex. Astrology

• If none of the CONPTT requirements apply, we know with complete CERTAINTY that it is not science. Ex. Paranormal psychology (ghosts and poltergeists).

• This does not mean that the ideas and concepts are not VALID to the person who believes them, they are simply not based on the process and laws of natural science.

In ConclusionSomething is science if it meets ALL 6 requirements of

CONPTT.

Otherwise, it is outside the realm of science.