Two Ways to Discover Truth: Scientific Method vs. Legal Method

When evaluating truth, especially in historical or non-repeatable events, it's important to understand the difference between two main approaches:

Scientific Method
The scientific method seeks truth through repeatable experiments in controlled environments.
Example: To prove that Ivory soap floats, you test it in water multiple times under the same conditions.

This method is ideal for natural sciences but limited when it comes to past events, which can’t be repeated.

Legal Method
The legal method relies on evidence and eyewitness testimony to determine what happened.
Example: In court, we can’t repeat a crime, but we can study testimony, documents, and physical evidence to reach a verdict.

This method is commonly used in history and law, where events are one-time and not repeatable.

References:

• McDowell, J. (1999). The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict. Thomas Nelson.

• Moreland, J.P. (1987). Scaling the Secular City: A Defense of Christianity. Baker Books.

• The Scientific Method: National Science Teaching Association (www.nsta.org)

• Legal Standards of Evidence: Federal Rules of Evidence (www.uscourts.gov)