What are some ways that scientific controversies arise?

Answer 1

The most common reason is that scientific study may produce results that disagree with common sense (mass changing with speed) or with established dogma (the earth is the center of the universe). Less often two sets of scientific observation are in conflict, perhaps because of changing observation tools or expansion of understanding. The most well known of these is Newtonian physics, which works perfectly well on earth at normal speeds which has been replaced by relativistic and quantum physics which has to be used even at the rather low speeds of satellites in orbit (which slow atomic clocks on board) and the orbit of Mercury (where the gravitational force of the sun behaves as additional mass). Sometimes it is just because things haven't been worked out yet: Einstein was left behind because he did not accept quantum effects, and various theories of the universe are still being tested.

Answer 2

Science is the ability to prove a truth through duplication of facts. Water boils every time at sea level at a temperature of 212 degrees F. Controversy arises when some one makes an allowance for a contradiction. Example: Go East and you will find the West. It is not going to happen.

Answer 3

when something exists that doesn't seem like it could be proven, then that could also cause controversy. evolution is controversial because while there is a lot of evidence in favor of it, there are still many holes evolutionists cannot explain.

Answer 4

When something is observed (and tested and repeated) that appears to contradict an accepted theory about how things work. Then we have to figure out which one is correct and why.