The Encyclopedia
of World Problems
& Human Potential

Scientific explanations of phenomena

Name(s):

Inappropriate application of scientific reasoning

Claim

1. Traditionally, explanation is used to show how it is that a 'finished' body of scientific knowledge can be put to use. But finished sciences are few and far between, and so this limited use is confined to 'static' circumstances. Real 'explanation' also occurs in a dynamic context in which questions are being asked and answers are given as theories in the process of being constructed. This is the area which scientific dogmatism rejects as being 'unscientific'.

2. The number of rational hypotheses that can explain any given phenomenon is infinite.

3. "It would be possible to describe everything scientifically, but it would make no sense; it would be without meaning, as if you described a Beethoven symphony as a variation of wave pressure." (Albert Einstein).

Broader

Reductionism

Dogmatic scientific orthodoxy

Aggravates

Atheism ^{[in 1 loop]}

Limitation of current scientific knowledge ^{[in 3 loops]}

Inconclusiveness of scientific and medical tests ^{[in 4 loops]}

Non-recognition of health problems by the medical profession ^{[in 3 loops]}

Aggravated by

Unexplained phenomena

Failure to distinguish between opinion and fact

Strategy(ies)

Applying scientific reasoning

Value(s)

Reference(s)

Bunzi, Martin: The Context of Explanation

Type

(F) Fuzzy exceptional problems

About the Encyclopedia

The Encyclopedia of World Problems and Human Potential is a unique, experimental research work of the Union of International Associations. It is currently published as a searchable online platform with profiles of world problems, action strategies, and human values that are interlinked in novel and innovative ways. These connections are based on a range of relationships such as broader and narrower scope, aggravation, relatedness and more. By concentrating on these links and relationships, the Encyclopedia is uniquely positioned to bring focus to the complex and expansive sphere of global issues and their interconnected nature.

The initial content for the Encyclopedia was seeded from UIA’s Yearbook of International Organizations. UIA’s decades of collected data on the enormous variety of association life provided a broad initial perspective on the myriad problems of humanity. Recognizing that international associations are generally confronting world problems and developing action strategies based on particular values, the initial content was based on the descriptions, aims, titles and profiles of international associations.

About UIA

The Union of International Associations (UIA) is a research institute and documentation centre, based in Brussels. It was established in 1907, by Henri la Fontaine (Nobel Peace Prize laureate of 1913), and Paul Otlet, a founding father of what is now called information science.

Non-profit, apolitical, independent, and non-governmental in nature, the UIA has been a pioneer in the research, monitoring and provision of information on international organizations, international associations and their global challenges since 1907.

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Scientific explanations of phenomena

About the Encyclopedia

About UIA