Scientific knowledge

One of the types of knowledge is scientific. This describes the mental ability to formulate ideas that use information that is objective. This set of ideas has a rational and critical nature. Scientific knowledge is methodical, since it arises as a response to a concern, it will seek to answer specific questions.

Scientific knowledge is characterized by being analytical, shows an abstract thought pattern and delves into these ideas. Zero is a very useful tool for human beings because they have depended on them for their development.

What is scientific knowledge? 

Scientific knowledge is defined as knowledge that is critical , grounded, verifiable, methodical, systematic, ordered, objective, universal and rational. It is a type of knowledge that aims to differentiate between what is true and what is false.

The evidence collected is justified based on different proposals. Methods such as research and analysis are used . These are applied in various procedures developed by each individual, adapting to each case.

Scientific knowledge will be based on the application of laws that enable the formulation of predictions, explanations and applications . Therefore, it is an objective knowledge that is based on the use of verifiable systems, which are obtained methodically. Later they communicate through a language , which will also be made up of its own rules.

The scientific process describes permanent feedback action. That is, it remains valid as long as there are still investigations to verify and questions any information. This is a permanent process , we will always seek to find a rational explanation for a reality, for this reason the possibility of certain events occurring in the future is foreseen.

Characteristics of scientific knowledge 

Scientific knowledge differs from other types of knowledge , in that it is a tool that is essential for civilization. In other words, through the use of this resource it has been possible to guarantee the survival and coexistence of people for several centuries.

Current technological innovations have been made possible through the application of this type of knowledge. Also other activities that have provided people the possibility of progress in various aspects, all have depended on the application of this tool. Its main characteristics are described below:

• It is factual knowledge . This means that it responds to a specific purpose , which is to analyze and find a purpose. It is about objectively determining what reality is.
• It is transcendent because it tries to go far beyond the main facts. For this, a deep analysis of all the data collected is carried out, to later verify them. This last step is a constant process, through research and study.
• It is analytical because it depends on the realization of a precise description of each one of the parts of which what is being studied is constituted. Each of the elements is decomposed and identified, the purpose is to analyze from a critical position. The results will be deepened to later understand their function, mechanisms and relationships .
• It is a precise knowledge because its main objective is always to seek and find concrete answers . Ambiguities are not allowed and neither is confusion, clarity of final answers is essential.
• It is symbolic because it has the capacity for abstraction , this generates a thought process that depends on the representation of mental images with a certain realism. Thus an explanation is facilitated, these symbolisms participate in the analogies and comparisons. A good example for this case is the mathematical language and its formulas.
• It is verifiable knowledge , it is also impersonal and determining . It is achieved from observation, in addition to experience. Results are obtained that are continuously subjected to various tests, which allow to check any hypothesis.
• It is communicable because the results can be exposed and demonstrated to anyone. Its explanation is facilitated, therefore it is easier to understand because it has a wide scope.
• It is methodical because it depends on planning and organization . These are preliminary steps, procedures are formulated that guarantee the obtaining of results or conclusions.
• It is predictive because a particular behavior can be identified and explained . This arises from the study, taking into consideration past and present events and those that are presumed could happen in the future.
• It is an open and constant knowledge in its evolution . Methods and techniques are used whose objectives are not always definitive, this means that it can be modified depending on the circumstances. When new research is carried out, the new results also continue to be questioned.
• It is useful because it will help to contribute to obtaining valuable tools for society . Actively participates in the development process for the human being, thus it has been possible to understand various events and daily problems.
• It has a universal character , since it has developed independently of aspects such as time and space. It continues to have influence and it is possible to keep adding new discoveries.

7 practical examples of scientific knowledge

Scientific knowledge usually starts from the creation of a hypothesis that will later be verified. Several examples of this type can be taken in fields such as mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry and other subjects typical of science. Here are some examples that facilitate the understanding of this type of knowledge:

1 The processes of respiration and photosynthesis

These are two important topics for science because it describes processes that are elementary for the survival of some species of living beings. Both guarantee that animal and plant beings can autonomously keep their respective systems in operation.

2 The mathematical theorems of Pythagoras

The Greek philosopher Pythagoras during ancient times developed important contributions to mathematics as an applied science. He formulated the bases of several theories that are still valid today. He developed much of his work through observation, also through rehearsal practice.

The most remarkable thing about his work are the mathematical theorems. These meet all the characteristics of scientific knowledge, because they are verifiable , applicable and have a precise utility . It could be said that some later mathematical calculations would not be possible without their contributions.

3 The discovery of penicillin

One of the highlights of the 20th century was the discovery of penicillin. Its application and definitive discovery of its properties is thanks to the scientist Alexander Fleming. However, it is important to mention that several generations, had been identified by observing the bactericidal properties that have the molds .

But it was during the practices, studies, investigations, analyzes and trials carried out by a group of various doctors, that the biochemical function of antibiotics was understood . This discovery was important to be able to administer penicillin to fight infections.

4 Studies on the solar system

Since the beginning of human civilization, there have always been various investigations whose purpose is to understand planet earth and the universe. At different stages in the history of humanity, several scientific facts stand out that have contributed different theories about the origin and functioning of the solar system.

There have been several scientists who have managed to understand the conformation of this system, as well as the movements of the planet earth. This has been done by observation , also employing various types of methods and tools . The first examples are the knowledge of the climatic seasons and also the cycle of the day and the night.

5 understandings of the water cycle. 

The water cycle and its various phases have been developed through studies that have been carried out over several generations. One of the first sources of energy was from the construction of complex engineering systems called dams.

Understanding the water cycle has also made it possible to identify when it rains and when periods of drought could occur . This is especially relevant for agricultural and livestock activities.

6 Pasteurization and long-term preservation

Another relevant scientific fact for humans is the discovery of microscopic life. Bacteria are microorganisms that are dispersed in the environment, they actively participate in various biological processes, such as decomposition. Understanding how these work has helped spawn processes like pasteurization and food preservation.

7 Electricity

The first source of energy for the human being was fire, but its use implied suffering some risks. Its poor stability and difficult handling, meant the need to find other alternatives. Since the properties of electricity were discovered and identified , it would radically change the way of life of human beings.

This is an energy medium that has a high transmission capacity, and can be accumulated or stored. In addition, it has a certain level of stability, if the right tools are used. Its use meant the beginning of the technological and industrial revolution .