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Similarities
between The Scientific Method &
The Eightfold Path
The Scientific Method is the basis of scientific understanding in the Western world and its uses do not need to be argued by those who understand it. Most of us have been exposed to the Scientific Method so I will simply list the steps here as well as the analagous steps of The Eightfold Path.
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Scientific Method: |
Eightfold Path: |
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State the Problem
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Right Understanding
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Invent Preliminary Hypotheses
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Right Thought
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Collect Additional Information
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Right Speech/Action
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Formulate a Hypothesis
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Right Thought
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Deduce Further Consequences
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Right Livelihood
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Test the Consequences
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Right Effort/Mindfulness
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Apply the Hypothesis
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Right Meditation
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Although many of the steps overlap there is a tight correlation between the two methodologies. The Scientific Method is usually applied to "Real World" problems with tangible outcomes while The Eightfold Path is usually applied to individual or social problems. They may not be carbon copies of one another but I believe their foundations are the same: the logical, rational, and conscious resolution to a stated problem using a system that is objective (as best can be hoped) and self-correcting. Needless to say, the more we're open to examining ideas from other groups, cultures, countries, or times, the more likely we are to chance upon something significant towards expanding our present world view in positive ways. |
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