Ignorance summary

Making predictions is an important part of a scientist’s work. While scientists can’t see the future, there are certain types of predictions that work reasonably well when using the scientific method.

For example, chemists run experiments to observe how different elements will behave under certain conditions. With enough observations, they are able to then develop a general rule about the types of reactions that resulted from their experiments. Using this rule, scientists can then accurately predict the outcomes of the same or similar experiments.

Many people believe that knowledge is the starting point for scientific inquiry. However, scientific research actually starts with ignorance, or the absence of knowledge.

There are two different types of ignorance.

When running a race, you can’t reach the finish line in one stride, but progress one step at a time. This is especially true in science.

For scientists, one of the first steps on the way to new discoveries is mundane: writing a grant proposal. These proposals take a lot of time, but they are critical in securing funding for research.

Clever Hans was once thought to be the smartest horse in the world, as he could count. When his owner asked a simple arithmetic question, such as “What’s four plus five,” Hans would use his hoof to stomp out the answer.

Actually Clever Hans wasn’t that clever. Psychologist Oskar Pfungst eventually demonstrated that, when Hans was “counting,” he was merely following cues from his owner’s body language.

Physics can explain some of the deepest mysteries of our world: from how the universe was created to how the minute particles that make up matter interact with each other.

However, right in the center of this scientific discipline is a huge knowledge gap.

Our brains are remarkably good at remembering things. But just how good?

Consider this study, in which participants were shown 10,000 images in rapid succession. Afterwards, they were shown a second set of images, some of which were included in the first 10,000 images.

As we’ve seen, ignorance can be a valuable asset. This understanding shouldn’t be kept secret! Scientists need to talk about the research process and thus about the value of ignorance.

Indeed, making scientific projects more visible to the public could have far-reaching positive consequences.