Pursuit of Knowledge in the Natural and Human Sciences - Essay Example

In What Ways May Disagreement Aid the Pursuit of Knowledge in the Natural and Human Sciences? A disagreement can be defined as divergent of views regarding an idea or concept. In natural and social sciences, most disagreements are based on rationality of ideas and difference in perceptions. Therefore, scientific disagreements are mainly based on ways of knowing, which include perceptions and reason. In most cases, people consider disagreements as bad and obstacle to development of knowledge. Although this could be true in some cases, it is not always true. Disagreements can lead to establishment of new knowledge. This is quite often in academic arguments where disagreements are likely to lead to further research regarding a particular issue. The arguments take different forms such as through scientific journals, during conferences or during presentation of research papers. However, this does not imply that knowledge cannot be generated without disagreements. This essay focuses on ways in which disagreements may aid the pursuit of knowledge in the natural and human sciences. Disagreements are common and shape natural as well as social sciences. In case of scientific knowledge, claims made must be tested and retested before being documented. Even after documentation, experiments based on the theory continue to be conducted. It is through such experiments that more knowledge regarding a particular subject is accumulated. In case of social sciences such as psychology, some ideas may be based on observation or perception. However, other psychologist will question such claims. The repeated testing of hypothesis and theory results in acquisition of knowledge regarding a particular subject. Although the term “Body of knowledge” is often used to describe acquisition of knowledge, the phrase is too general and misleading at times. This is because different subjects have varying ways of knowledge acquisition. Additionally, every subject has a specific set of technical vocabulary, which distinguishes it from other subjects. Therefore, any knowledge claims require to be assessed critically to determine their credibility (Lagemaat 6-8). Almost every developed theory in natural science as well as in social science has been reached at after several studies. Most such studies are triggered by disagreements that occur when some of the researchers fail to agree on certain idea. Some people argue that disagreements discourage those trying to pursue new ideas from doing so. On the contrary, disagreements encourage researchers to dig deeper and find more facts to support their arguments (Lagemaat 1-4). In case of natural sciences such as biology, the knowledge must be based on findings. Natural science involves use of experiments to verify perceptions. Therefore, any knowledge based on perceptions is likely to be disputed leading to need for testing. The testing leads to emanation of several ideas expanding the knowledge. Additionally, the truthfulness of the knowledge is ascertained. In case of natural sciences, there exists certain criteria us to ascertain any perceptions or ideas based on emotions. Any scientific knowledge that arouses doubt or disagreements can be retested to establish its credibility (Lagemaat 9-12). Karl Popper’s idea of falsification contributes to most disagreements regarding knowledge, which triggers more research. Falsification is the notion that scientists always try to disapprove a new theory. This results in intense research as the pioneers of the theory attempt to prove its truthfulness (Popper 4-6). Additionally, those opposing the theory attempt to generate ideas to disapprove it (Lagemaat 6-10). Common disagreement regarding the truthfulness of knowledge in social science arise methodologies used in supporting knowledge. These arguments are mainly based on the logic of the methodologies used in data collection. Such disagreements can aid the pursuit of knowledge in several ways. In natural sciences, scientists often argue regarding research findings as well as theories. Whenever a theory is suggested, there is likelihood that scientist will try to object its truthfulness. This results in disagreements. The disagreements could be based on the methodology, the set up under which the experiment was conducted, or the ways used to analyze the findings. Disagreements regarding the research methodologies and analysis criteria results in creation of better research methods, which enhances knowledge acquisition. Additionally, the arguments could be based on the research ethics. Such disagreements ensure that researchers do not compromise on the ethics as they seek for knowledge (Lagemaat 22-25). An example of a disagreement that aided in pursuit knowledge involved autism. An argument regarding the effectiveness of a vaccine resulted in resignation of a member of the science advisory board for Autism Speaks. The issue was reported in Science Magazine and resulted in great disagreements and arguments regarding the effect of vaccines. Some argued that vaccines cause autism while others were opposed to this view. This disagreement resulted in intensified research disagreement aided in pursuit of knowledge. Eventually, it was established that the vaccine could not cause autism. Therefore, the discussion contributed greatly toward the pursuit of knowledge (Erik 135). Opponents of disagreements as a trigger to pursuit of knowledge claim that disagreements slow down knowledge seeking processes such as research. This could be true in case of, extended disagreements. Additionally, disagreements may yield too many perceptions resulting in confusion. Such confusion may slow down research as researchers try to figure out the best path to follow in their research. In human sciences, disagreements have often contributed to pursuit of knowledge. The disagreements contribute to knowledge pursuit in different ways. Like in the case of natural science, disagreements may intensify research regarding a particular issue. Additionally, disagreements may yield new research ideas as well as perspectives. In most cases, disagreements result in divergent ideas requiring more research. This is because most social research cannot be repeated to attest their truthfulness. However, the ideas generated widen the scope of knowledge. Additionally, varying points of view emerge. Therefore, the disagreements aid in pursuit of social knowledge through generation of new ideas, which can be pursued to generate more theories. A good example of disagreements that have led to pursuit or social knowledge concerns social economic problems. When economies are undergoing economic crisis, economist will often argue on the ways to resolve social problems such as unemployment that originate from economic crisis. Although some disagreements may delay generation of a solution, they may also trigger further research as each group tries to come up with a solution. Such research contributes to the existing knowledge. A good example of knowledge that arose from disagreements was Supply Side Economics. Though disagreements initiate knowledge pursuit, they can be bother and obstacle to knowledge pursuit. In some cases, progress in the field of science is slowed down by disagreements. This is because the research process is more rapid and more can be achieved in absence of disagreements. Therefore, pursuit of knowledge would at times proceed faster without disagreements. However, fewer ideas would be available. Scientific knowledge entails generation and testing of hypothesis. Therefore the more the hypothesis, the wider the research will be. Disagreements often result in generation of different hypothesis that require to be tested. Moreover, disagreements yield problems which when assessed through reasoning generate hypothesis. Hypothesis suggests the need for further research in order to accept them or refute the ideas. Whether the hypothesis is falsified or accepted, additional information is generated. As researchers try to relate the different perceptions, they often generate theories, which add up to scientific knowledge (Lagemaat 33-36). However, having too many hypotheses can result in time wastage. This is because each hypothesis requires to be tested repeatedly. The experimentation process maybe cumbersome and expensive resulting in slowed pursuit of knowledge. Nonetheless, the hypotheses that are accepted are often backed by ample evidence. A good example in natural sciences is the theory of evolution, which has resulted in numerous discussions and theories regarding how organisms evolve. Though some hypotheses have been rejected, they triggered a lot of research, which has contributed to the evidence that supports this theory. In case of social science, disagreements regarding the best approaches to treat mental health problems have resulted in generation of numerous therapies. The therapies have resulted from pursuit of knowledge triggered by disagreements (Popper 55-61). Works Cited Erik, Stokstad. "Resignations Highlight Disagreement On Vaccines in Autism Group." Science Magazine, Vol 325, No. 5937 (2009): 135. DOI: 10.1126/science.325_135a. Lagemaat, Richard. Theory of Knowledge for the IB Diploma Full Colour Edition. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2011. Print . Popper, Karl. The Two Fundamental Problems of the Theory of Knowledge. New York: Taylor & Francis Group, 2011. Print. Read More