In the limits of science: scientific questions without scientific answers

1. Entity type Lemma
2. Original titleΣτα όρια της επιστήμης: επιστημονικά ερωτήματα χωρίς επιστημονικές απαντήσεις
3. Language term Greek, Modern (1453-)
4. lemma author Katsiampoura, Gianna
5. lemma category Concepts of knowledge and modes of reasoning > Philosophy of science/epistemology
6. Publication date 20-06-2017
7. lemma work Christophorou, Loucas [Author]. In the limits of science: scientific questions without scientific answers
8. lemma manifestations Aktines (Ακτίνες)
9. Keywords science-religion relationship - science
10. Url Click Here
11. Citations
    1. <p>Christophorou, Loucas (2012), "Στα όρια της επιστήμης: επιστημονικά ερωτήματα χωρίς επιστημονικές απαντήσεις" ("In the limits of science: scientific questions without scientific answers"), <em>Aktines</em> 730, 99-108</p>
12. Lemma body

    1. Loucas Christophorou begins his article with two principles: Firstly, the modern science has the unlimited ability to answer scientific questions. Secondly, the scientific questions are unlimited too. However, the constantly seeking new answers to already answered questions, shows how science evolves.

       There are two categories of questions, in the limits of science: the trans-science questions, which are beyond the scope of science, but they cannot be ruled out in the future, and the questions which will not be able to answer.

       The first category includes questions about, as example, how microwaves, mobile phones or genetically modified foods effect on human health. This type of questions is in the limits of science and technology, on one hand, and political decisions, social values and financial interests on the other. In these cases, every scientist must make clear the limits between science and trans-science.   

       The second category includes questions which are in the limits of science and philosophy or science and metaphysics, such as questions about the origins of life, the origins of universe or the origins of primordial energy. To answer these questions the scientist can shift to trans-science, to metaphysics, to philosophy and perhaps to religion.

       According to Christophorou, scientists have the duty not to answer the trans-science questions without scientific data. However, scientists can approach these issues on condition that they clearly define when they speak scientifically and beyond the limits of science.