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Is science built on abstract knowledge of a formal pattern of reality?

Yes, science is built on abstract knowledge of a formal pattern of reality. This abstract knowledge is often referred to as a scientific theory, which is an explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is supported by a wide range of observations and experimental evidence. A scientific theory is a general explanation of a phenomenon that is based on a wide range of evidence and is widely accepted by the scientific community. It is not a set of facts, but rather a set of principles that can be used to make predictions about future observations.

The goal of science is to understand the underlying patterns and principles that govern the natural world. To do this, scientists use a variety of tools and techniques, including observation, experimentation, and theoretical modeling, to generate and test hypotheses about how the world works. Through this process, scientists are able to build a detailed and accurate understanding of the natural world and the underlying patterns and principles that govern it.

Can humans have access to direct knowledge of reality instead?

It is generally accepted in philosophy that human beings can only have knowledge of reality through their senses and the processing of that information by their minds. This means that our understanding of reality is necessarily mediated by the ways in which we perceive and interpret the world around us.

However, this does not mean that our knowledge of reality is necessarily unreliable or incomplete. While it is true that our senses and cognitive processes can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as personal biases, cultural influences, and environmental conditions, scientists and philosophers have developed methods and techniques for minimizing these biases and increasing the reliability of our knowledge.

For example, the scientific method is a systematic approach to studying the natural world that involves making observations, formulating hypotheses, testing hypotheses through experiments, and drawing conclusions based on the results of those experiments. This process helps to ensure that scientific knowledge is based on objective evidence and is subject to ongoing revision and testing.

Overall, while it is not possible for humans to have direct knowledge of reality, we can still develop a detailed and accurate understanding of the world through careful observation, experimentation, and critical thinking.

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