The Epistemic Foundations of Science: A Neglected Dimension in Scientific Practice

This paper examines the nature of science (NOS), highlighting the gap between scientific practice and understanding of its foundational principles. It outlines key characteristics—such as logicality, objectivity, criticizability, and generalizability—and explores core components including observation, experimentation, hypotheses, theories, and laws. Emphasizing the interpretive, tentative, and self-correcting nature of scientific knowledge, the paper argues that a deeper understanding of NOS is essential for meaningful scientific inquiry and progress.