10 Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge

We explain what scientific knowledge is and what its general characteristics are. Also, what is the scientific method and more.

What is scientific knowledge?

Scientific knowledge is that which arises from applying a structured procedure known as the scientific method. In essence, the scientific method is based on the formulation of a hypothesis and subsequent experimentation, in order to test it, and then, through the conclusions, accept or discard it, thus producing this type of knowledge.

Scientific knowledge is often presents in opposition to empirical knowledge, understanding the latter as knowledge based on experience or “doing”, including trial and error. While practically all people throughout their life experience access empirical knowledge in one way or another, accessing scientific knowledge requires special preparation.

Scientific knowledge requires specialized and technical language, and in certain fields, it also needs elements of symbolization. Precision and coherence are essential requirements in the scientific communication process.

See also: Scientific essay.

Characteristics of scientific knowledge:

  1. Systematic

A scientific thought serves as a base for the next one and so onso that a chain of observations and reasoning leads to new knowledge.

  1. Verifiable

This is an essential requirement, there must be the methodology necessary to establish the degree of certainty or accuracy of what that knowledge affirms. It is impersonal.

  1. Universal

Regardless of place or time, what scientific knowledge indicates is fulfilled.

  1. Transformer

Nobody doubts today that scientific knowledge transforms societies and their ways of life.

  1. Analytical

Usually scientific knowledge is accessed by decomposing the whole into its elements or parts, in order to simplify the approach and thus discover underlying internal relationships and mechanisms.

  1. Synthetic

Once the parts of the problem have been thoroughly analyzed, they must be able to be related to each other in order to formulate a comprehensive idea.

  1. Specific

The science analyzes particular phenomena and situationssince it is impossible to think of a science of the universal.

  1. Explanatory

The ultimate objective of scientific knowledge is to try to understand and explain facts by formulating laws or principles.

You may be interested in: Laws of thermodynamics.

  1. Communicable

Scientific knowledge must be able to be expressed in a way that others can understand it.

  1. Factual

It sticks to the facts as they are and are presented.

  1. Aim

It is abstracted from any affective element and only attends to questions of reason.

  1. Provisional

A scientific knowledge should not be taken as definitive or immutablesince they maintain their validity as long as there is no new scientific research that questions them.

Scientific knowledge It is a process that constantly feeds back.the search for a rational explanation for the surrounding reality and the possibility of predicting future events are its main drivers.

It is only possible to generate scientific knowledge if there are appropriate methods and critical thinking, not tied to preconceptions or particular interests.

See also: Scientific texts.

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