Do you believe in scientific evidence?

The importance of the meanings of words, and understanding of the shades of meanings of words is a theme in my reading lately. What is “science”? What do scientists mean by “knowledge”? What are good “models”? How do “theories” help us understand the physical world around us? (174)

One word I think is an important word for scientists to keep in mind is “belief.” I recently read a paper on science education, and the authors use the word in their introduction, and then hint at it later in the chapter. How do our students “come to understand …‘why we believe’ scientific evidence.”

Should scientists and science teachers use the word “belief”? Is there a better, more accurate word to use that can help avoid misunderstandings?

I tend to use the words “belief” and “believe” in spiritual and religious contexts. These words seem to me to be about an opinion, leading to a conclusion that may not have convincing supporting evidence. Of course, an extreme skeptic may never find enough convincing evidence, but a healthy skepticism can be addressed, I believe, with satisfactory observations and reasoning to reach conclusion.

I may not be able to share enough evidence to convince a skeptic of the existence (or non-existence) of God, but the evidence supporting a geocentric model of our solar system appears conclusive.

Does use of the word “belief” in a science context make understanding science more difficult? When the authors write “why we believe scientific evidence” are we shortchanging the scientific basis of our models and maybe even doing religious beliefs a disservice? I think so.

So what can we do? What should we do?

Even though they are only words, and different shades of meaning can be compounded by context, I think we can use a more accurate word than “belief” and I encourage my astronomy students to consider using this other word in scientific context.

I “think” the Earth is spherical. Biologists “think” evolution best describes the changes seen over time. Geologists “think” plate tectonics have been shaping the surface of our Earth.

I try to use the word “think” in my classroom and in scientific discussions. Sure, I backslide and use the “b” word every now and then, but when I use “think” in class, I think my students understand the important difference in meaning.

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