In the scientific method, science claims complete objectivity. However, philosophy questions the possibility of such objectivity. It is possible that even on a subjective and unconscious level, the white-frocked priest of the scientific lab is not as objective as he would think himself to be. However, in the pursuit of scientific objectivity the scientific method uses the following principles in order to "assure" such objectivity.
• The Principle of Empiricism: Science assumes the reliability of the human senses. Reality is as the human senses perceive it.
• The Principle of Parsimony: This principle is also known as Ockam's Razor and it assumes that the best explanation of a reality event is the simplest explanation.
• The Principle of Isolation: The principle attempts to eliminate extraneous factors by use of a control group or by means of scientific sampling.
• The Principle of Exact Measurement: This principle expresses the results in quantitative terms. This principle essentially refers to data gathering.
By use of these principles, the scientist endeavors to insure scientific objectivity.
