Chapter 1, Problem 1CC

To determine

The higher regard by professional astronomers between hypothesis and theory as an approximation of truth.

Answer to Problem 1CC

Solution:

A theory has a higher regard than hypothesis by professional astronomers.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Science makes use of creativity and is in alignment with what is observed in nature. Scientific methods have an approach towards creating hypotheses, observations, theories and experiments to prove their validity. Scientists further work out the implications, thus, evolving the way nature is studied.

Explanation:

A hypothesis is a collection of ideas that seems to explain what is observed. Scientists tend to be most imaginative, creative or intuitive at this level. The implications of a hypothesis is to work out with logic and to make predictions that can be tested. A hypothesis becomes valid and more recognized only after testing the authenticity of results and observations with reality.

A good theory in science is one which explains reality in accordance with new observations and results. So, when related hypothesis are merged together to form a self-consistent description of nature, it is known as a theory. Scientific theories is capable of making predication that can be further used by the other scientists to test. Predictions are verified through observations and if it is found that they do not match with the observations, the theory demands to be replaced or modified. Hence, an idea which cannot be tested by observations or experiments does not qualify as a theory.

Conclusion:

Therefore, it can be concluded that theory has a higher regard for approximation of truth by professional astronomers as it is a collection of related hypothesis which has already been tested.