The Role of Doubt in the Pursuit of Knowledge: An Analysis of Natural and Human Sciences

This essay explores the extent to which doubt serves as a central catalyst in the pursuit of knowledge. Utilizing a philosophical framework based on René Descartes, the author analyzes the function of doubt within the Natural and Human Sciences.

The argument posits that in Natural Sciences, doubt drives the scientific method and the refutation of obsolete theories, such as spontaneous generation. In Human Sciences, doubt is presented as a critical tool for interpreting behavioral data, accounting for social desirability bias and the observer effect. The work is strengthened by the integration of personal experimental data and established psychological studies to illustrate how skepticism prevents erroneous conclusions.