transscience

Transscience refers to questions that can be framed in scientific terms but cannot be definitively answered by science. These are not scientific questions, as they are not amenable to empirical investigation or falsification. Instead, they lie at the boundaries of scientific knowledge, often touching upon philosophical, ethical, or existential matters. Examples include questions about the origin of the universe, the nature of consciousness, or whether life exists elsewhere in the cosmos. While science can provide data and insights that inform these questions, it cannot offer conclusive answers. The term was popularized by Alvin Weinberg, who argued that society must grapple with these transscientific issues, even if scientific methods alone are insufficient. Understanding transscience helps to delineate the limits of scientific inquiry and to recognize the importance of other modes of thought in addressing fundamental human concerns. It highlights that not all important questions are scientific questions, and that societal progress may depend on acknowledging and engaging with these broader domains of inquiry.