Grumlok the barbarian wakes up in a round room with 10 doors. He doesn't have any recollection of how he got there. Naturally he wants out. Grumlok tries to open the door closest to him, but it's locked. He tries the next one and the one after that. Grumlok goes through 4 locked doors, but the 5th opens and he gets out.
My question is, is that science? Is he using the scientific method? If so, how does it differ from simple trial and error?
Wikipedia wrote:
Scientific method refers to a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. To be termed scientific, a method of inquiry must be based on gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning.[1] A scientific method consists of the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.[2]
The evidence is observable, empirical and measurable. Grumlok is in a room with ten doors. He collects data by looking around. Grumlok experiments by trying to open the doors. His hypothesis is that since he is stuck in a room with doors, one or more of the doors might open and let him out. Based on his earlier experiences, or should we say inductive experiments, he knows that doors sometimes open, but other times they don't, for example if they're locked or they could even be parts of the wall made to look like doors.
His hypothesis based on previous empirical evidence turns out to be correct. Some of the doors do not open, but at least one does. The remaining 5 doors might possibly open as well, but Grumlok has already achieved the desired results so he does not stick around to experiment further. He goes to the tavern to celebrate his scientific prowess with wenches.
Now, that last paragraph seems to be a biggie .. Grumlok finally finds a door that achieves what he wants and then passes through it -
The remaining 5 doors might possibly open as well, but Grumlok has already achieved the desired results so he does not stick around to experiment further.Discuss ...
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