The reliability of experimental science

Abstract

There are various methods we can use in research and one of those is the experimental method. As an instrument of learning this method has something in common with all the others: the scientific character of its contributions. The article gathers the idea different authors have of experimentation and it presents the experimental method as a way of attaining the truth. This can even be the main method when one wishes to learn about the material side of reality in a systematic and controlled monner. Assuming that other realities exist, it is no concern of experimental science to declare that these exist or don't exist. Nevertheless the fact that certain areas escape the control of experimental science does not mean that they can not be studied using other approaches. The accuracy obtained by means of the experimental scientific method is a great acheivement, however, this does not mean that we should place it as a model of all valid knowledge nor that it should imply the monopoly of all reliable knowledge. One can also attain accuracy and truth outside of experimental science. At the end of the exposition we have included some considerations regarding teaching activities that may be used as teaching discussion points.