According to renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, a scientific theory is a model of the universe, at least to the extent that one can observe and examine the universe. From these observations one can derive a set of rules and guidelines, which, nonetheless, would exist only in one's minds and may have no other “reality” or concordance with the outside world and phenomena.
Science, in his view, is merely one of many possible interpretations of the data at hand, of “reality” as one may see and define it. Hawking, however, as a scientist will not enter into and distances himself from a philosophical discussion of what may constitute reality. In fact, he cautions scientists and adherents of the scientific method that despite its rigid attempt of objective standards, science will still be and remain a subjective human endeavor.
Stephen Hawking and What Makes a Good Scientific Theory?
From Hawking's point of view, a good theory would need to satisfy two criteria. First, it needs to describe in an accurate and precise manner a host of observations in accordance with a specific model in mind. One could start out with the theory and look for deductive confirmation in observable facts and events, or one may gather material and evidence inductively in order to reach a certain conclusion or a model.
Second, a theory should be able to make definite and accurate predictions involving future observations. A theory may be accepted until the facts support it; however, when new incoming data challenge the theory, it must be either modified, if possible, or completely abandoned for another more comprehensive and plausible theory. An example would be the rebuttal of Newton's laws about absolute gravity, which one had generally accepted over the centuries until Einstein proposed his theory of relativity which challenged and undermined the previous theoretical model.
The Problems of Uncertainty with Theories and Hypotheses
As a result, one should keep in mind that physical theories about the universe are “provisional” and merely a hypothesis, meaning that ultimately they cannot be proven. Regardless of how many times the experiment may reveal results in concordance with one's theory, one could never be certain that at another time the result would not contradict and raise doubts about the accepted theory. In such cases, even a single observation would be enough to disprove a theory. Similarly, if subsequent experiments and trials confirm the theory, it not only survives but one gains confidence in the theory itself and it gets stronger and more robust.
As Hawking points out, the ultimate aim and objective of science is to “provide a single theory that describes the whole universe.” Science keeps modifying and adjusting the new findings and knowledge to come close to this new holistic theory. Over time, scientific discoveries and technological knowledge have transformed perspectives and brought about new lifestyles. Although one can be optimistic about all the continuous advances, one should still not forget the possible limits and shortcomings of science, that science is a long and arduous process of change and transformation and the constant need and necessity of adjusting to new data and findings within the scientific paradigm and community.
Readers may also enjoy Psychological Research and Ethical Guidelines, Is Language a Uniquely Human Activity?, and God as the Ultimate Authority in the World.
Sources:
Hawking, Stephen. A Brief History of Time. New York: Bantam Books, 1998.
Arash Farzaneh - Arash Farzaneh is a writer and a language professor. He has a Master's degree in French literature with a minor in Psychology. Since his ...
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