Cryptozoology Not a Valid Science, or Science at All
Einstein said that “All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree” (1950). True or not, each discipline is its own branch and each are built on different, yet important knowledge foundations. Religion and art are built on foundations of faith and the abstract, but science, even considering the theoretical, is based on the concrete. Cryptozoology, however, is “the search for animals whose existence is disputed or unsubstantiated” (cryptozoology, 2009). While the term ‘scientific discovery’ may exist to describe the ‘eureka’ moments of scientific enlightenment, science studies are supported by evidence and theory (which is supported by evidence, therein) are then tested, or observed before they are considered pro oven. Cryptozoology, therefore is not a valid science or a science at all.
Science is constructed from evidence through testing, observation, mathematical proofs and then logical conclusions are drawn (Ellis & Blustein, 1991, p. 562). The conclusions are then tested repeatedly. It is a strenuous cycle of test and retest until the theorem is proved without a doubt to be natural law. And even then, it could be challenged for further testing.
This ‘scientific method’ of experimenting (test and retest) reinforces the validity of the subject being studied or proved. If the experiment is proved time after time, validity is established. By methods, design, conceptual clarity, quality of logic, and hypothesis is science valid (Ellis & Blustein, 1991, p. 562).. Those steps create a clear, definable evidence to strengthen validity. Cryptozoological supporters have no proved evidence in aid to their claims.
The science that is the most similar in base and terms to cryptozoology would be zoology. Zoology is “the scientific study of the behavior , structure, physiology, classification, and distribution of animals” (zoology, 2009). While crytozoology is a ‘search,’ zoology, a tested science, is a ‘study.’ Zoologist observe animal behaviors and compare them to others; a study. They know through observation that mammals birth, have hair all over their bodies, and are warm blooded, while reptiles lay eggs, have scales all over their bodies, and are cold blooded; a study. Cryptozoologist can’t make any of those observations because they are still searching for their animals, which make them more akin to treasure hunters than scientist.
Even if cryptozoologist prove their mythological creatures exist it would negate the definition of this proposed ‘science.’ The creatures would move from the realm of cryptozoology to plain zoology. The search would be over and the real science would then begin.
References
cryptozoology. (2009). In Compact Oxford English Dictionary. Retrieved July 11, 2009, from http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/cryptozoology?view=uk
Ellis, M., & Blustein, D. (1991, July). The Unificationist View: A Context for Validity. Journal of Counseling & Development, 69(6), 561. Retrieved July 11, 2009, from MasterFILE Premier database.
Einstein, A. (1950) “Moral Decay”. Out of My Later Years. 7-8.
zoology. (2009). In Compact Oxford English Dictionary. Retrieved July 11, 2009, from http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/zoology?view=uk
