This is the basis of the modern scientific method. It blossomed in the 17th century, when a new breed of thinkers took the view that scientific knowledge can only come from first-hand observation.

In this series, The Week looks at the ideas and innovations that permanently changed the way we see the world. This week, the spotlight is on the scientific method: As the world scrambles to deal ...

Today, few would deny the central importance of science to our lives, but not many of the general public would be able to give a good account of what science is. To most, the word probably brings ...

Expertise from Forbes Councils members, operated under license. Opinions expressed are those of the author. A lot of ink has been spilled on the question of what will ultimately win: the ...

Science aims to develop a good explanation of natural events (phenomena) that are observed. Scientists develop explanations using the scientific method. This follows a specific way of working: For ...