Scientific Thinking

We as individuals and as a society need to know how to think so that we will have an accurate understanding of the world.

Science teaches us to strive to be accurate in our beliefs. Science is the foundation of technology. A society is strengthened by the use of scientific thinking in all areas of life.

Be Evidence Based. We should form our opinion using evidence as the basis. Do not depend solely on the opinions of others; when appropriate, check the evidence in the real world. (evidence is sensory based, what you can actually see, hear, touch, etc.) Be scientific, banish superstition.

Testing ideas. It is possible to believe philosophies that do not produce as much happiness as alternate philosophies. We must be willing to test our ideas against alternatives. Tests must work in the real world, not just in the worlds within our minds. We must be willing to submit our ideas for criticism, because others may see things that we do not. Our philosophies must pass this test: that if all humanity adopted them, then happiness for all would increase. (Happiness here means meeting all the natural needs of ourselves, our community, all humanity, and even all life, for the longest possible time.)

What we should do:

• Teach scientific thinking (the scientific method) in schools. Not just scientific facts, but how the scientific method and scientific attitudes result in a more accurate understanding of the world.