Marginal notes on the history of science

Abstract

Only recently it has been understood that the scientific progress is due to the adoption of an investigation method, apparently unorthodox, consisting in tentatively developing predictive theories and neglecting (initially) anomalous results. Although this empirical methodology is seen as being in dramatic conflict with the traditional philosophy criteria, scientific progress occurred without problems. Scientists rather tend to follow Popper ideas, for whom science proceeds through empirical attempts, without searching absolute truths, whereas the validity of scientific theories is given by their ability to predict new observable phenomena. These concepts encompass accumulation of knowledge ad progress in science. Consolidated science includes all reality descriptions that have been demonstrated true beyond any legitimate doubt (eliocentrism, blood circulation), whereas borderline science may be controversial and tentative. Within the text, the history of the scientific development is illustrated with examples taken from salient events which were responsible for today's scientific progress.