Laws of Nature
In the context of philosophy of science, "Laws of Nature" are rules that explain how the universe works, identified through scientific research. They are patterns that reliably predict and explain natural occurrences. For example, gravity is a law of nature that ensures things fall to the ground when dropped. These are not human laws that can be broken, but inherent principles existing in our universe, guiding its functioning and evolution. They're our best understanding of "regularities" of the universe, but not necessarily all-encompassing, timeless truths, as new scientific findings can revise them.
Additional Insights
-
Laws of nature are fundamental principles that describe how the universe behaves. They are based on consistent observations and experiments, outlining patterns that govern natural phenomena, such as gravity or motion. These laws are universal, meaning they apply everywhere and at all times. For example, Newton's law of universal gravitation explains how objects with mass attract each other. Scientific laws are based on evidence and have stood up to rigorous testing, but they can be refined or replaced as new discoveries are made. They help us understand, predict, and manipulate the natural world.