Science relies on evidence and reason from "summary" of Darwin's Dangerous Idea by Daniel C. Dennett
Science is a peculiar enterprise. It is not like religion or politics, where one can make grand proclamations based on faith or ideology. In science, evidence is the currency that matters most. Scientists do not simply accept ideas because they sound good or appeal to their emotions. They demand evidence, solid and reliable evidence, before they are willing to consider something as true. Reason is another crucial aspect of science. It is not enough to have evidence; one must also use reason to make sense of that evidence. Scientists rely on careful reasoning to interpret their data, to formulate hypotheses, and to test those hypotheses through experiments and observations. This process is what sets science apart from other ways of knowing. When it comes to evolution, the same principles apply. Darwin's theory of natural selection was not accepted because it was elegant or poetic, but because it was supported by a wealth of evidence and ...
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