Science Is Not Infallible | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Science Is Not Infallible

But you should still trust it!

747
Science Is Not Infallible
Wikimedia Commons

Science is and always will be imperfect. For thousands of years, scientists and physicians often stood by and followed theories that were later discarded for a more accurate theory. Now I want you to take note of the word "theory." If you were to Google the definition of theory it would read "a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained." While this is a correct definition it does not stand up to what a scientific theory, which is "a scientific truth that has substantial evidence." Keep that in mind as you read the word "essay." Now without further ado, allow me to list the times science was wrong.

One such theory was that of the Geocentric universe, the idea that the Earth is the center of our solar system. This theory was widely accepted by scientists until Nicholas Copernicus disproved the theory in 1543 with this book "De revolutionibus orbium coelestium."

Another one is the Miasmatic theory of disease. During the Middle Ages, it was believed that diseases were caused by being exposed to miasma (or "bad air"). This theory was received until the 1800s, when germ theory began to take its place.

The static universe theory was also a theory that was popular with scientists at the time. Scientists firmly believed that our universe was static and never changed. This idea was challenged when Edward Hubble in the 1920s found that distant objects were moving away faster than nearby ones. In fact less than 20 years ago, we found out that the rate of speed these objects are moving away from each other has been increasing for some time now!

Now based off this small sampling of examples, you may start thinking to yourself "Should we still trust science? I mean if modern science may be proven wrong in the later future, should we continue to trust it?"

The answer is abso-fucking-lutely.

Science is adaptable to change. If a theory is proven wrong, it will eventually be discarded in favor of the new one. It won't peddle false information or anything like that. Essentially science adapts to new information. That is why you should still trust it.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
I'm serious

There are tons of unisex names that are popular: Taylor, Alex, Bailey, etc. There are also numerous names that are used for both sexes, but they’re not seen as “unisex” yet. People are slowly becoming accustomed to the dual use of these names, but for the most part, in their minds they associate certain names with certain sexes. And that leaves those of us with these names in many awkward situations.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

16 Secrets Anthropology Majors Never Admit To

You know that all of these things apply to you. You'll just never tell.

5945
cave
CSU

I'm an anthropology major, and I love every minute of it. I couldn't tell you why, but I guess there's just something about studying different lifestyles that absolutely fascinates me. But anthropology majors definitely have our weird sides, especially when you go to a school that is filled with mostly Business and Bio majors. But us weirdos definitely have a lot in common, specifically these 16 things.

Keep Reading...Show less
pale girl

Everyone has insecurities, that's just a fact. You didn't ask to be born this way. You didn't ask to inherit the one trait no one else in your family has. And you definitely didn't ask to be this ghostly white. But as soon as you've learned to live with it for a while (less wrinkles later on in life, right? right???) someone has to ruin it for you. They have to flaunt they're perfectly tanned body from Spring Break and hold their sun-kissed skin against yours. But I've had enough... here are the things that perpetually pale individuals are tired of hearing.

Keep Reading...Show less
music sheet

Being a music major is not all kicks and giggles. In fact, there are days when I question my sanity and doubt myself as a musician. I know I am not the only one going through the struggle, and so here are 13 GIFs that I know my fellow music majors can relate to...

Keep Reading...Show less
Bob's Burgers
Flickr

1. The witty burger names.

Blue is the warmest cheese burger

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments