Scientific Facts
Science facts can refer to findings and conclusions carried out by experiments to help validate a particular hypothesis. Because scientific findings are corrugated by extensive research, experiments, data, and a methodical approach and logic, it may be argued that those things that may be considered as scientific facts are the most true in the empirical sense. Obviously, there is no absolute certainty when speaking about science facts. Theories and conclusions of a scientific nature can often be negated through new developments in technology and science. That is to say, though evidence of a particular experiment may support a certain hypothesis to the extent of being considered fact, it is not entirely guaranteed to be proven as absolute truth. An example of such a discrepancy may be the ancient belief that the earth was the center of the universe, or geocentric. At the time, scientific methods and technology was very limited. However, given the resources of the time, this theory was considered as scientific fact. It was not until leading scientists of their time were able to negate this initial theory. The first to challenge the geocentric theory as science fact was astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. In the century to follow, Galileo Galilei was able further disprove that scientific fact by observations through a telescope which supported Copernicus’s theory. Another example is the early belief that the earth was flat. Even as late as the 15th century believed that earth was flat and considered it as scientific fact. It is safe to say that this theory has long ago been proven wrong. The essential fallacy that exists is the limitations for forward progress and technological advancements. As scientific thought progressed, so did technology. With technological advancements, certain scientific facts were not only off the mark, but completely wrong. The ability for Galileo to employ telescope to observe planetary movements allowed him to effectively conclude that the sun was in fact at the center of the universe. However, given more recent findings about astrology and knowledge of the universe, Galileo can only be considered partially right. The universe being as expansive as it is, it can not conclusively said that the sun is the center of the universe. The fact that new planets are being discovered and that our galaxy is bound to be one of inconceivable amounts. Possibly in the future, scientists will be given the opportunity to further agree and disagree with Galileo’s initial theory with the appropriate scientific and technological advancements. Essentially, science facts can only be considered as truth in relativity to the scientific and technological advancements available at the present time. As it has been proved throughout history, many theories have been disproved through gaining scientific knowledge that was not available prior. It is bound for history to continue repeating itself, for science and technology are constantly evolving. It is through these changes that allow scientists to gain further knowledge about the natural phenomena that occur, which will allow for more accurate scientific facts to be established.