What is the body of knowledge derived from systematic observation called?

Prepare for the CLEP Sociology Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations and hints. Enhance your readiness for the exam day!

The correct answer is science, which refers to a systematic body of knowledge that is built through empirical observation, experimentation, and reasoning. Science emphasizes the importance of collecting data through observations and tests, establishing theories, and continually refining knowledge based on new evidence. This structured approach helps to create reliable information that can be verified and replicated, distinguishing it from other fields like philosophy or theology, which may rely more on speculative reasoning or faith-based belief systems.

Philosophy, while it can deal with questions about knowledge and existence, does not inherently rely on empirical observation and experimentation in the same way that science does. Ethics pertains specifically to moral principles and values, while theology is focused on the study of the divine and religious beliefs. Each of these disciplines has its own methodology and areas of focus, but only science is fundamentally anchored in systematic observation as a means of acquiring knowledge.

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