Can the scientific method verify or falsify itself?

Question

If so, how? If not, should it cause concern to believe in something without knowing its veracity?

Answer 1

I don't think it can without being circular. The process of verification would have to begin with assumptions, which would have to be obtained by some method---see the problem.

I'm not concerned that my beliefs are imperfect. In fact, I assume that they are; but that doesn't prevent me from acting on them. "Knowing" is always incomplete at best. I think that people who don't realize that are setting themselves up to break under pressure because they're too brittle. Yet we do make it through life somehow, using all kinds of virtues and methods: logic, faith, scientific method, love, hope... everyone has their favorite.

Hoping the best for you...

Answer 2

It can verify itself. I think it has verify itself a long time now. Afterall how would you explain, the semblance of DNA sequence to related species and distant cousins. The bones and fossils dug up of early species that evolve into its decendant beings.

If your going to look at it the humans itself psychologically have subtle similarity in behaviour to other animals. You can deny all you want I've seen people that behaves more like an animal with an education, tools and technology.

Answer 3

The scientific method falsifies claims that are prone to be proven. If proven wrong, those claims lose credibility and plausibility.

In disproving faulty theories, evidence, claims etc. the scientific method validates itself.

This link is a fun way to illustrate my point

Answer 4

Not really because it acts like it is the truth but it is constantly changing. A lot of what I learned in school is no longer seen as factual. The other night I watched a program that said that the theory of the big bang is no longer considered valid. I ask my son what they were teaching about it and he said that they were still teaching the big bang theory.

I some times wonder if we actually know anything at all.