What is the first assumption of science regarding nature?

The first assumption of science regarding nature is that it is lawful. This means that there are consistent and predictable patterns or laws that govern natural phenomena. Scientists rely on this assumption to formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, and make predictions. By believing that the universe operates according to identifiable principles, researchers can establish relationships between variables, analyze data, and derive conclusions that are repeatable and verifiable. This foundational assumption is essential for the scientific method, as it underpins the pursuit of knowledge through observation and experimentation.

The notion that nature is variable and subjective misunderstands the foundational concept of objectivity that science strives for. While variations and subjective interpretations might exist, they do not constitute a reliable basis for scientific inquiry. Similarly, the ideas that nature is chaotic and unpredictable or solely influenced by human perception contradict the premise that there are discernible laws and regularities that can be studied and understood through scientific methodologies.