1. Systematic approach agreed upon and shared by the scientific community

2. Utilizing the methods of deductive logical reasoning (René Descartes 1597-1659 French philosopher) and inductive empiricism (Aristotle 384-322 BC Greek philosopher and John Locke 1632-1704 English philosopher)

3. Focusing on quantifiable variables and their relationships (discrete numerically-based chucks of reality, i.e., statistics – Pythagoras (580 - 497 BC) and Galileo 1564-1642 "the language of nature is numbers")

4. In order to establish generalizations and "laws" to describe, explain, predict and ultimately control (Isaac Newton 1642-1727 and the "laws of motion" and Francis Bacon 1561-1625 utilitarianism and science holds the keys to unlocking power over nature)

5. All within a context of "organized skepticism" (nothing taken on "faith")