Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. It encompasses a wide range of fields, including but not limited to:
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Natural Sciences: Focused on the study of the physical world and its phenomena. This includes:
- Physics: The study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature.
- Chemistry: The study of substances, their properties, and how they interact and change.
- Biology: The study of living organisms, their structure, function, growth, evolution, and interactions.
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Formal Sciences: These disciplines focus on abstract concepts and include fields like mathematics and logic, which provide frameworks and tools for understanding and describing patterns and relationships.
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Social Sciences: These fields study human behavior and societal structures. Examples include psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics.
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Applied Sciences: These disciplines apply scientific knowledge to practical problems and include fields like engineering, medicine, and environmental science.
Science relies on observation, experimentation, and the scientific method—a structured approach to inquiry that involves making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing results. The goal is to develop a deeper understanding of natural phenomena, which can lead to new technologies and solutions that improve our lives.