Introduction
Science is among numerous phenomena in the world that have tremendously affected the life of human beings. Through innovations and discoveries, lives are transformed and bettered for the purpose of meeting advanced challenges. From end to end, new scientific advances and more knowledge is acquired for the purpose of handling existing challenges. These developments are essential in addressing problems or situations demanding attention.
In addressing such issues, many scholars and researchers have differed on whether achieved scientific innovations should be considered as scientific progress. What does it mean for the world or society to progress scientifically? Does scientific progress always imply moving closer to the truth? These are some of the questions which this essay addresses. It synthesizes the existing relationship between scientific progress and its closeness to the missing truth.
Scientific progress
What is the scientific truth? Many philosophers concur that scientific truth occurs when there is enough evidence for the accumulation of knowledge as compared to earlier moments when there was insufficient knowledge to address an existing problem (Bird 64). It is, however, important to note that this form of knowledge accumulation is never original but has respected history. With existing discrepancies over the issue, many scholars have gone ahead to dispute this philosophical approach.
Such controversies were witnessed during the 1960s (Bird 64). Consequently, rehabilitation of the cumulative conception has remained unsuccessful based on the realistic reaction towards relativism and positivism. In most cases, realists explain the notion of progress by focusing on the approximate truth as opposed to extending the boundaries of knowledge and seeking more information (Bird 64). With reference to this assumption, many debates emerge addressing the relationship between truth and scientific progress. Is it possible to progress if one is far from the truth, or does scientific progress entailing knowledge accumulation in addressing exiting challenges?
Scientific progress can be broadly classified into three major categories which are characterized by unique approaches towards the interplay between scientific progress and that which is known to be true. The first approach is the epistemic view which considers knowledge to be crucial for humanity in the understanding of the progress. In other words, clear comprehension of scientific progress can not be realized in the absence of the necessary knowledge (Rorty 43).
On the other hand, the semantic approach recognizes the truth as the main ingredient that is required in defining any form of progress in the field of science. Lastly, functional-internals have the view that scientific progress exists when a scientific advancement excels in addressing a given problem by providing solutions being looked for. This approach further incorporates the need for scientific practitioners to understand the function in such a way that they could give a valid opinion in assessing the fulfilment of the function.
While philosophers continue to express opposing views regarding scientific progress and the truth, many people wonder if there are other sources of truth besides venturing into science or employing scientific principles in solving certain problems in life. It has been discovered that many people consider science to be the only source of truth without which humanity would not be in a position to manifold solutions to manifold problems in the modern world.
Nevertheless, others, including a section of scholars and philosophers, argue that scientific approach towards seeking the truth may not provide perfect truth but presents a convincing solution that is closer to what could be considered as perfect truth.
Notably, truth is connected with goals as researchers engage in activities geared towards attaining certain objectives (Rorty 19). This notion has widely been accepted and applied by numerous people as it distorts the normal understanding of the entire process and how the achieved goal evidently explains elements of the missing truth. One has to understand that science has undergone several transformations clouded with uncertainty which never deterred determined scientists from finding answers to questions.
Although finding the truth is always the target of most researchers, it has arguably been noted that improving present tools and knowledge is key in analyzing the fundamentals of scientific progress. As such, any scientific process is prone to revision, criticism and continuous examination (Dilworth 8). However, these processes do not imply lack of authenticity but an affirmation that it is a process which focuses on improving existing knowledge for the purpose of addressing complex problems or to provide better results.
Another important aspect of scientific progress is the fact that there are numerous factors which promote this progress. A good example is an economic growth which allows governments and other funding agencies to increase funding and ensure that scientists realize their research objectives (Carruthers, Stich and Michael 4). Another aspect of scientific progress is the level of professionalism. In this context, many scientists have raised their status by engaging in processes which aim at solving real-life problems in society.
Additionally, scientists have acquired expertise and the necessary skills to carry out research and make recommendations. Moreover, technological advancements which have permitted the adoption of more advanced procedures in not only finding the truth but also increasing cumulative knowledge (Bechtel 64).
Conclusion
From the above analysis, it is evident that science is a process which seeks more knowledge to address existing and future problems. As a result, its progress encompasses criticisms and revision, an indication that no single scientific process is true or perfect. Nevertheless, the process permits the accumulation of knowledge in seeking the truth.
Works Cited
Bechtel, William. Philosophy of Science: An Overview for Cognitive Science. London: Routledge, 1988. Print.
Bird, Alexander. “What Is Scientific Progress?” Nous 41.1 (2007): 64–89. Print.
Carruthers, Peter, Stich Stephen, and Siegal Michael. The cognitive basis of science. London: Cambridge University Press, 2002. Print.
Dilworth, Craig. Scientific progress: a study concerning the nature of the relation between successive scientific theories. New York: Springer, 2007. Print.
Rorty, Richard. Truth and progress. London: Cambridge University Press, 1998. Print.