1.5: Understanding Scientific Ideas

A difficulty in understanding scientific ideas and their implications is that these ideas build upon a wide range of interdependent observations and empirically established rules. Understanding biological systems depends upon an understanding of chemical reaction systems that in turn depends on an understanding of molecules that rests upon an understanding of atoms, energy and their interactions. Our working premise is that to understand a topic it is necessary to know the key observations and common principles upon which basic conclusions and working concepts are based. To test one’s understanding of a system, you need to be able to construct plausible claims for how, and why the system behaves the way it does, and how various perturbations might influence it. Your analysis needs to be based on facts, observations, or explicit presumptions that combine, logically, to support your claim. You need to be able to present your model to others, knowledgeable in the topic, in a clear way to get their feedback, to answer rather than ignore or disparage their questions, and to address their criticisms and concerns.^[43] Sometimes you will be wrong because your knowledge of the facts is incomplete or inaccurate, your understanding or application of general principles is incorrect, or your logic is faulty. It is important to appreciate that generating coherent scientific explanations and arguments can be difficult. Through useful coaching and practice, we hope to help you learn how to understand biological systems and processes. We, your fellow students, and your inner Socrates will help you identify when you produce a coherent critique, explanation or prediction, and where you fall short.

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