Question

What kinds of questions is science unable to answer?

Short answer

Science cannot answer non-empirical, philosophical, or theological questions.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

To tackle the question, we need to first understand what it means for a question to be outside the realm of scientific inquiry. Science as a discipline is grounded in empirical evidence and testability, focusing on questions that can be answered through observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Identifying Non-Empirical Questions

Science struggles with questions that are non-empirical, meaning they cannot be answered through observable or measurable data. These include questions about subjective experiences, such as personal preferences or feelings, and questions of abstract concepts, like morality or aesthetics.

Considering Philosophical and Theological Questions

Science also cannot fully address questions that are philosophical or theological in nature. These include questions about the meaning of life, the existence of a deity, or the nature of consciousness, which often require analysis beyond empirical data and involve philosophical reasoning or faith-based beliefs.

Key concepts

Empirical Evidence

Empirical evidence is fundamental to the scientific process. It consists of information gathered through observation or experimentation. For a question to be scientifically answered, it must be backed by data that is observable and measurable.
This means scientists test hypotheses through controlled experiments or detailed observations, ensuring the results are repeatable by others. This repeatability is a hallmark of empirical questions, guiding scientific inquiry toward facts and objective conclusions.
However, while empirical evidence provides robust ways to understand the natural world, it has its limitations. Not all questions can be addressed by evidence that can be seen or measured. For instance, personal emotions or societal trends might not yield to strict empirical analysis.

Non-Empirical Questions

Non-empirical questions lie outside the scientific arena as they do not always have observable or measurable answers. Such questions often involve human experiences that vary greatly among individuals, such as emotions, personal preferences, and moral judgements.
Consider the question, "What is the most beautiful piece of art?" This cannot be conclusively answered with empirical data since beauty is subjective and culturally influenced.
Similarly, questions about ethics or values are difficult to address scientifically, as they sway with personal and societal beliefs. Science may inform these discussions, but empirical evidence can't definitively answer them.

Philosophical Questions

Philosophical questions often involve deep exploration and reasoning that steps beyond the empirical scope of science. These questions probe the nature of reality, existence, and knowledge itself, asking things like "What is the meaning of life?" or "Do humans have free will?"
While science can contribute by providing insights into human behavior or the universe, it does not possess the tools to answer such abstract queries entirely. They require reflective thinking and conceptual analysis, often relying on logic, ethics, and existential examinations.
Hence, philosophical questions persist mainly in the realm of philosophy, where diverse viewpoints are explored rather than definitive answers being sought.

Theological Questions

Theological questions delve into matters of faith, spirituality, and the divine, areas where empirical science has little reach. Questions like "Does God exist?" or "What is the nature of the soul?" fall under this category.
The nature of theological questions means they are often answered through faith, tradition, and divine revelation rather than empirical evidence. This does not mean they are unimportant; rather, they represent a different kind of knowledge where personal belief systems play a crucial role.
While science can explore the history and impact of religion, or even psychological aspects of belief, it cannot validate or invalidate theological claims through empirical means.