Most Important Thing In Science : Asking The Right Question

In summary, the most important thing in science is asking the right questions, and Galileo is a more brilliant thinker than Isaac Newton.
  • #1
Razwell
2
0
Above all, the most important thing in science, the thing that gets everything started is asking the RIGHT questions. Isaac Newton did this better than anyone.

For example: asking what cheese is the moon made of and then conducting experiments to determine if it was Swiss, American or Provolone would get us nowhere.
 
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  • #2
It's clearly made of American cheese.
 
  • #3
Razwell said:
Above all, the most important thing in science, the thing that gets everything started is asking the RIGHT questions. Isaac Newton did this better than anyone.

For example: asking what cheese is the moon made of and then conducting experiments to determine if it was Swiss, American or Provolone would get us nowhere.

I disagree. I take your point, and it is a good one, but I believe that the MOST important thing in science is a willingness to believe the evidence even if it contradicts your theory.

Even worse than asking what kind of cheese the moon is made of is continuing to believe it IS made of cheese even though your experiments tell you otherwise.
 
  • #4
Razwell said:
Above all, the most important thing in science, the thing that gets everything started is asking the RIGHT questions. Isaac Newton did this better than anyone.

While this is somewhat subjective, I found that Galileo Galilei asked far better questions and derived far more significant answers than Newton. Newton merely built upon that which Copernicus, Galileo, and Kepler had already discovered. Reading the great work of Galileo was much more interesting than reading the great work of Newton, though to be fair, each provides numerous enlightening moments. Unfortunately, the greater of the multitude will never read these great works in their entirety, so they simply don't know what they're missing. I wish I had read these great works far sooner than I did. Galileo was quite brilliant in his manner of deductive reasoning and ingeniously resourceful.
 
  • #5
Can you recommend some reading materials on Galileo please?
 

Related to Most Important Thing In Science : Asking The Right Question

1. What is the most important thing in science?

The most important thing in science is asking the right question. It is the foundation of scientific inquiry and leads to the discovery of new knowledge and understanding.

2. Why is asking the right question important in science?

Asking the right question is important in science because it helps guide the research process and ensures that scientists are focusing on relevant and meaningful topics. It also allows for the formulation of testable hypotheses and the collection of accurate data.

3. How do scientists determine the right question to ask?

Scientists determine the right question to ask by identifying gaps in current knowledge, exploring new and innovative ideas, and considering the potential impact and implications of their research. They also consult with other experts in their field and conduct thorough literature reviews.

4. Can asking the wrong question lead to incorrect results?

Yes, asking the wrong question can lead to incorrect results in science. If the question is not well-defined or relevant, the research may not produce meaningful or accurate data. This can also lead to biased or flawed conclusions.

5. How does asking the right question contribute to the advancement of science?

Asking the right question is crucial to the advancement of science as it leads to the development of new theories, technologies, and solutions to real-world problems. It also encourages critical thinking and collaboration among scientists, ultimately leading to a better understanding of the world around us.

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