Scientific Method

Like anything, the scientific method is prone to change and improvement, just as it has developed over thousands of years into the most effective exploration tool humans have, it is prone to further enhancement as knowledge advances. The scientific method must be distinguished from the aims and products of science, as it is merely the method by which these scientific goals and breakthroughs are achieved. It is also not the single most important element of scientific and human advancement, as it simply represents the observable and tangible elements of the universe. Modern science has come to exist with far more than just data from these sources, such as Albert Einstein’s theories of relativity, or Alan Turing and the computer. Scientists such as these made discoveries either as a result of compiling and extrapolating information gathered by others, or they observed the world differently from most others. Despite this, the development of the scientific theory proves to be one of the most important and valued aspects of both modern human existence, and Cromulism.

The scientific method began more than two thousand years ago in the mind of a scientist named Aristotle. A scientist of observation, Aristotle drew conclusions based on what he saw in the world. He believed that all reasonable scientific deductions could be made from what was present before the eyes. Simply using observations, inductions, and deductions, Aristotle promoted the advancement of knowledge. Reconciling abstract thought with observation, Aristotle began the scientific tradition of empiricism, although he found it difficult to assert the legitimacy of scientific claims made through induction. A thirst for knowledge and desire to uncover the truths of the world made Aristotle a driving force in the advancement of world knowledge. His behaviour and impact on the future of science exemplifies some of the most important Cromulist values. Aristotle also faced adversity, both before and after death, regarding the acceptance of his work. Many medieval theologians had trouble reconciling Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology, and medieval philosophers often disagreed with Aristotle on many issues. It is a common theme throughout history that Cromulist representatives must overcome challenges and those who oppose their ideas and achievements. Yet, in true Cromulist fashion, Aristotle’s methodology was the foundation of scientific innovation and experimentation operations used for hundreds of years.

During the Middle ages, the Arab world entered its scientific golden age, in which scientist Ibn Al-Haytham (Alhazen) refined the scientific method into a significantly more defined, usable, and effective method, extremely similar to that of modern day. Through scientific observation, experimentation, and rational arguments, this physicist obtained results regarding his intromission theory of vision (in which rays of light are emitted from objects rather than from the eyes), and compiled these findings in his Book of Optics. Alhazen viewed his scientific studies as a search for truth, and has stated: "Truth is sought for its own sake. And those who are engaged upon the quest for anything for its own sake are not interested in other things. Finding the truth is difficult, and the road to it is rough.” This quote demonstrates his pure thirst for knowledge and truth, simply for the sake of advancing understanding of the world. This purity in motive is an aspect of Alhazen that makes him a valuable aspect of Cromulism’s past. Further, his work included the conjecture that “Light travels through transparent bodies in straight lines only”, which he corroborated only after years of observation and experimentation, notably through observing light entering a dark room through holes, and placing a straight stick or taut thread next to the light beam. Employing scientific skepticism and emphasizing Aristotle’s empiricism in his work, Alhazen still found room for growth of the scientific method through the role of the inductive reasoning that Aristotle had somewhat discredited. This proved to be one of the greatest advances in the history of the scientific method, as induction is an essential form of thought necessary to draw conclusions in science, especially as knowledge progresses.

Further development of the method mostly revolved around its adoption by other scientists, throughout hundreds of years. In the early 1000s, Al-Biruni was known as the most exact of experimental scientists. His methods resemble the modern scientific method, particularly when considering his emphasis on repeated experimentation. He was concerned with how to prevent both systematic and observational errors. He argued that because instruments at the time were imperfect, and human error was always a factor, that multiple observations must be taken, analyzed qualitatively, and on this basis, arrive at a mean, or reliable estimate. Through Al-Biruni’s meticulousness and desire for discovery through legitimate, irrefutable means, he significantly advanced the scientific community by improving practices that would lead to numerous important discoveries.

In the scientific process, skepticism is an essential element that ensures unfounded conclusions are avoided, and misinformation is limited, by either denying or strongly doubting the possibility of certain knowledge. Philosopher and physician Francisco Sanches was a large proponent of skepticism, and was one of the first in a line of scientists who began to drift from classic Aristotelian practices, thus further advancing the “scientific theory”, which was also a phrase coined by Sanches. Francis Bacon wrote: "If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties." This quote perfectly embodies the skepticism of such scientists, as well as the Cromulist approach to the world. Galileo Galilei was another one of the scientists that moved beyond Aristotelian teachings, through using the first principles that Aristotle thought science should be demonstrated from, as a research tool. He presented work in the form of mathematical demonstrations without reference to experimental results, which was a bold and innovative step in the advancement of the scientific method. Where this evolves Aristotle’s initial ideas is through the integration of mathematics and theory development, which naturally are complemented by experiments.

A significant mind in Cromulism and the history of scientific development is Isaac Newton. Newton was one of the most brilliant minds throughout history, and summated his thought process in four rules of reasoning:

1. We are to admit no more causes of natural things than such as are both true and sufficient to explain their appearances.

2. Therefore to the same natural effects we must, as far as possible, assign the same causes.

3. The qualities of bodies, which admit neither intension nor remission of degrees, and which are found to belong to all bodies within the reach of our experiments, are to be esteemed the universal qualities of all bodies whatsoever.

4. In experimental philosophy we are to look upon propositions collected by general induction from phænomena as accurately or very nearly true, notwithstanding any contrary hypotheses that may be imagined, until such time as other phænomena occur, by which they may either be made more accurate, or liable to exceptions.

Further, Newton described a “theory of everything”, embodying the goal and most deeply underlying value of Cromulism.

“To explain all nature is too difficult a task for any one man or even for any one age. 'Tis much better to do a little with certainty, and leave the rest for others that come after you, than to explain all things.”