Identify and discuss four of the six characteristics by which Velasquez distinguishes science from pseudoscience.

Science deals with natural phenomena that can be observed, measured, and tested. It is successful in dealing with problems within the limits of science. Scientific study is based upon the assumption that the universe is orderly, reasonable, and testable. A valid scientific theory offers a well-defined naturally occurring cause which explains why or how a natural event occurs. Theories are always subject to change. Science does not have the answers to all of the questions in the universe, or the solutions to all of human problems.

There are six criteria of science: Consistent, Observable, Natural, Predictable, Testable, and Tentative. The acronym "CONPTT" makes a good memory hook. 1. Consistency: The results of repeated observations concerning a naturally occurring event are the same when performed and repeated by proficient examiners. The evidence is also compatible with well-established observations and limits. 2. Observable: The event under study can be observed and explained. The observations are limited to the basic human senses or to extensions of the senses by such things as a microscope. 3. Natural: A natural cause must be used to explain why or how the naturally occurring event happens. Scientists may not use supernatural explanations as to why or how naturally occurring events happen because reference to the supernatural is outside of the realm of science. Scientists cannot conduct controlled experiments in which they have designed the intervention of a supreme being into the test. 4. Predictability: The natural cause of the naturally occurring event can be used to make predictions. Each prediction can be tested to determine if the prediction is true of false. 5. Testable: The natural cause of the naturally occurring event must be testable through the processes of science, controlled experimentation being essential. 6. Tentative: Scientific theories are subject to revision and correction, even to the point of the theory being proven wrong. Scientific theories have been modified and will continue to be modified to consistently explain observations of naturally occurring events.

Emerging science (protoscience) may be defined as a "near science". A protoscience tends to conform to most of the CONPTT criteria, but falls short in one or more of the criteria. Mental telepathy could be considered as a "protoscience".

Non-science may be defined as an area of knowledge which does not meet the
criteria of science (CONPTT). Non-science topic areas may be very logical and based on good reasoning, but simply do not fall within the realm of science. They would include any belief systems.

False science ("pseudoscience") may be defined as a non-science that is portrayed as a legitimate science by its followers and supporters. Good examples of a pseudoscience would include astrology, parapsychology, paramid power, and UFO’s.

I ain’t that crazy about Manuel Velasquez and the writing of this book. 4 of his conclusions are scientific methods are made of empiricists (observations), rationalists (simplicity), and transcendental idealists (reasoning ideas into nature). He says scientific methods rely on inductive method of organization, generalization, and repeated confirmation by new observations. And, he says science can formulate a hypothesis that can guide research that can then be tested by observation. The theory must be falsifiable, that is, it must be able to make predictions.