Which of the following is NOT a basic assumption of science?
Which of the following is NOT a basic assumption of science?
Options:
(a) Science cannot provide answers to all questions
(b) It is possible to distinguish between more and less plausible claims
(c) Researchers should follow certain agreed upon norms and practices
(d) Science is best at solving value conflicts, such as whether abortion is immoral
✅ Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
Science operates under certain foundational assumptions. It recognizes its limitations and accepts that not all questions—especially moral or ethical ones—can be answered scientifically. Science assumes that evidence can distinguish between more and less plausible claims and that researchers should follow standardized norms and ethical practices. However, science does not claim authority over value judgments or moral debates such as whether abortion is immoral. Such issues fall under ethics, philosophy, religion, or personal belief systems. Science deals with empirical facts, not moral values. Therefore, option (d) is not a basic assumption of science.
10 PPSC-Oriented Facts:
- Science studies observable phenomena.
- Moral issues are value-based.
- Science has limitations.
- Ethics differs from science.
- Evidence guides scientific claims.
- Norms ensure research integrity.
- Objectivity is central to science.
- Science avoids moral judgments.
- Philosophy addresses values.
- Science informs but does not decide ethics.