What is meant by non scientific knowledge?

Answer 1

The scientific method syematically advances understanding by using observations to generate hypotheses. For a hypothesis to be scientific it must generate predictions that can - at least in principle - be tested. If a prediction can be shown to be false, then the hypothesis can be rejected. This process is the basis of the scientific method. "Mon-scientific knowledge" is a way of categorising information gathered by people and institutions that do not use the scientific method. Philosophers, and perhaps economists, gain knowledge through logic and reason. Social scientists use their learned experience of local conditions and cultural contexts to try to interpret their observations. Traditional and cultural knowledge is gained over long periods by trial and error. Doctors, fungi enthusiasts and birdwatchers learn from experience. Historians read, archaeologists dig, and lawyers gain knowledge by referring to authority and listening to witnesses. Geologists and Civil Society Organisations don't carry out experiments, but observe the world as it is. Mathematicians gain knowledge by constructing mathematical proofs. They all gain and hold non-scientific knowledge, much of which may not be easily verified. Other kinds of knowledge, such as how to mix paints to get a particular colour, or how to ride a bike, or write a best-seller, or change a lightbulb, are also non-scientific, but are not normally considered as "non scientific knowledge".