The Scientific Attitudes

The methods and skills used by scientists are intimately connected to a set of attitudes common in the practice of science. A scientific attitude is a disposition to act in a certain way or a demonstration of feelings and/or thoughts. Studies of the actions of scientists have led to lists of scientific attitudes such as displayed below. Some attitudes such as honesty would be expected in any human endeavour, but other attitudes such as tolerance of uncertainty are more characteristic of scientists. Note that scientific attitudes are different from attitudes about/towards science. Also note the exercises available in the top of the left frame on this webpage.