Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

The Scientific Method

The Scientific Method

The scientific method is a detailed, empirical problem-solving process used by biologists and other scientists. This iterative approach involves formulating a question based on observation, developing a testable potential explanation for the observation (called a hypothesis), making and testing predictions based on the hypothesis, and using the findings to create new hypotheses and predictions.
Generally, predictions are tested using carefully-designed experiments. Based on the outcome of these...

The Scientific Method

The Scientific Method

Research is what makes the difference between facts and opinions. Facts are observable realities, and opinions are personal judgments, conclusions, or attitudes that may or may not be accurate. In the scientific community, facts can be established only using evidence collected through empirical research.

The Scientific Method

The Scientific Method

Chemistry is an empirical science. Scientists often pose questions to understand the chemistry in everyday life and seek answers to these questions. To achieve this, scientists follow a definitive series of steps that together make up the Scientific Method. This approach involves making observations, asking questions, building a hypothesis, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and forming a conclusion.

Scientific Nature of Social Psychology

Scientific Nature of Social Psychology

Social psychology is a scientific discipline dedicated to understanding how individuals think, feel, and behave in social contexts. Unlike common sense, which relies on anecdotal experiences and intuition, social psychology employs systematic research and empirical methods to ensure objectivity and reliability. This distinction is fundamental in distinguishing scientifically supported findings from mere speculation.Four fundamental scientific values guide a structured approach to research in...

Models, Theories, and Laws

Models, Theories, and Laws

Scientists frequently use models to help them comprehend a specific collection of phenomena. In physics, a model is a condensed version of a physical system that is too complex to study thoroughly. One such example is the light wave model; unlike water waves, light waves are typically invisible to us. Nonetheless, it is helpful to think of light as being composed of waves, since investigations show that light behaves like water waves. Since it is impossible to visually see what is genuinely...

Scientific Laws and Theories

Scientific Laws and Theories

Scientific Laws

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

The role of natural selection in the origin of life.

Origins of life and evolution of the biosphere : the journal of the International Society for the Study of the Origin of Life·2010

Same author

The origins of research into the origins of life.

Endeavour·2006

Same journal

Mental health, normativity, and local knowledge in global perspective.

Studies in history and philosophy of biological and biomedical sciences·2020

Same journal

Signals without teleology.

Studies in history and philosophy of biological and biomedical sciences·2020

Same journal

Issues of biopolitics of reproduction in post-war Greece.

Studies in history and philosophy of biological and biomedical sciences·2020

Same journal

Resurecting raciology? Genetic ethnology and pre-1945 anthropological race classification.

Studies in history and philosophy of biological and biomedical sciences·2020

Same journal

Race science in Czechoslovakia: Serving segregation in the name of the nation.

Studies in history and philosophy of biological and biomedical sciences·2020

Same journal

Transfer of Lamarckisms and emerging 'scientific' psychologies: 19th - early 20th centuries Britain and France.

Studies in history and philosophy of biological and biomedical sciences·2020

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Ole Isacson: Development of New Therapies for Parkinson's Disease

Ole Isacson: Development of New Therapies for Parkinson's Disease

Published on: April 29, 2007

Is science metaphysically neutral?

¹Department of Humanities and Arts, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Technion City, Haifa 32000, Israel. fryiris@gmail.com

Studies in History and Philosophy of Biological and Biomedical Sciences

|July 10, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Science is not metaphysically neutral, challenging the separation of science and religion. Metaphysical assumptions in science are increasingly supported by empirical evidence, fostering a naturalistic worldview.

More Related Videos

Microbial Communities in Nature and Laboratory - Interview

Microbial Communities in Nature and Laboratory - Interview

Published on: May 28, 2007

Perspectives on Neuroscience

Perspectives on Neuroscience

Published on: July 31, 2007

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Ole Isacson: Development of New Therapies for Parkinson's Disease

Ole Isacson: Development of New Therapies for Parkinson's Disease

Published on: April 29, 2007

Microbial Communities in Nature and Laboratory - Interview

Microbial Communities in Nature and Laboratory - Interview

Published on: May 28, 2007

Perspectives on Neuroscience

Perspectives on Neuroscience

Published on: July 31, 2007

Area of Science:

Philosophy of Science
Metaphysics
Theology

Background:

The concept of metaphysical neutrality in science is debated.
Evolutionary theism and separation of science and religion proponents claim science is neutral.
This paper challenges these claims, arguing science has inherent metaphysical aspects.

Purpose of the Study:

To challenge the claim of metaphysical neutrality in science.
To analyze the interaction between metaphysical assumptions and empirical science.
To refute creationist accusations of science being a naturalistic dogma.

Main Methods:

Philosophical analysis of scientific claims.
Historical examination of science's development.
Critique of evolutionary naturalism and separatist views.

Main Results:

Science is not metaphysically neutral; metaphysical assumptions guide and are supported by empirical data.
An evolving interaction between metaphysics and science supports a naturalistic worldview.
Creationist claims that science is solely a naturalistic dogma are refuted.

Conclusions:

Science possesses inherent metaphysical dimensions, contrary to separatist and evolutionary theist claims.
The empirical support for metaphysical assumptions in science challenges the necessity of a transcendent deity.
Acknowledges challenges in public support for evolution due to societal and political contexts.