Three Types of Science, pt. 2: Inferential Science
On this episode of ID the Future from the archive, host Andrew McDiarmid continues a three-part conversation with biophysicist and philosopher Kirk Durston. The topic is Durston’s article series unpacking three types of science: (1) experimental science, (2) inferential science, and (3) fantasy science.
In this second of three episodes, Durston recaps the three types but focuses on inferential science. He explains how it involves, in the historical sciences, abductive reasoning, which is making an inference to the best explanation. He also explains how such reasoning, rooted in observation, can be used effectively as we consider the best explanation for the origin of biological information.
This is Part 2 of a three-part conversation. Listen to Part 1. Look for Part 3 next!
Dig Deeper
- Read the article that inspired this portion of the conversation: Inferential Science: What Can Go Wrong?