What Scientists Say When They Can’t Answer a Question

Science is a process of exploration and discovery. When a scientist cannot answer a question, it often means that the processes of science have not yet provided a clear answer. However, no scientist should be dismissed for being unable to answer every question. Instead, this absence of an answer points to the vast frontiers of scientific inquiry and the ongoing quest for knowledge.

The Nature of Scientific Inquiry

Scientists primarily focus on questions that have not yet been answered. In their pursuit of knowledge, scientists investigate phenomena and gather evidence to formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, and engage in peer review. This process is inherently driven by uncertainty and the desire to understand the unknown.

The Limits of Current Knowledge

It is common for scientists to acknowledge areas where their knowledge is limited. When asked about questions that fall outside their expertise or areas where current scientific understanding is insufficient, they are honest about the gaps in their knowledge. This honesty is critical to the progress of science. For instance, if a plant biologist is asked why there is more matter than antimatter in the universe, they will likely explain their focus on plant intelligence and suggest that the matter-antimatter imbalance is a topic for physicists and cosmologists.

Similarly, when a scientist responds with “I don’t know” or “We don’t know,” it signifies that the question is either currently beyond the scope of our understanding or that no one has yet dedicated the necessary resources to address it. This can be demotivating, but it also serves as a motivational challenge for future researchers.

Engaging with the Unknown

The most exciting moment in science is often when a scientist encounters something that doesn’t fit the established paradigm. Not knowing something is the starting point of scientific advancement. It is in these moments of uncertainty that new hypotheses are formed and new avenues of research are explored.

For example, when the biological textbook from the 1970s mentioned that the function of the Golgi Body was unknown, it reflected a call for further investigation. This unknown sparked curiosity and motivated researchers to delve deeper, eventually uncovering the Golgi Body's vital role in the packaging, modification, and sorting of proteins.

The Importance of Integrity in Science

While honesty about unknowns is essential, it's crucial to recognize that not all scientists adhere to the highest ethical standards. Some may mislead or manipulate data for personal gain, much like individuals in any other profession. However, the vast majority of scientists are dedicated to the truth and the advancement of knowledge.

The Role of Hypotheses and Ongoing Research

When a scientist can’t answer a question, they may suggest ways to investigate the issue. For example, “That’s an interesting question. I wonder how we could find out.” This response indicates that while the answer may not be known, the scientific method is still the best approach to finding it. It’s often through follow-up questions and experiments that new discoveries are made.

As Isaac Asimov eloquently put it, the most exciting moment for a scientist is not when they solve a problem, but when they encounter something that doesn’t fit the known framework. This unknown is the driver of scientific progress and discovery.

Conclusion

The absence of an answer in science is not a failure but a call to action. It signifies the ongoing quest for knowledge and the infinite possibilities of discovery. Whether facing the unknown functions of cellular bodies or the mysteries of the cosmos, scientists continue to push the boundaries of what we know, driven by a pursuit of truth and understanding.