An example of a question that cannot be answered by science is the question of subjective preferences or values. Science deals with objective observations, measurements, and empirical evidence to understand the natural world. However, questions about personal tastes, moral judgments, or individual experiences fall into the realm of subjective human experiences, which cannot be objectively measured or tested.
When such questions are asked to scientists, they may respond in a couple of different ways:
Acknowledgment of the question's nature: Scientists may recognize that the question falls outside the realm of scientific inquiry and explain that it pertains to personal opinions, preferences, or values. They may suggest that answering such questions requires a different approach, such as philosophical or ethical discussions.
Offer insights from related research: Even though certain questions may not have definitive scientific answers, scientists might provide relevant information from related fields of research or present findings that can inform the discussion. For example, if the question is about the impact of a particular art form on human emotions, scientists could discuss studies on psychology or neuroscience that explore emotional responses to art.
It's important to note that while science provides valuable knowledge and understanding, it does have its limitations. Some aspects of human existence, such as personal meaning, purpose, and subjective experiences, are better addressed through different approaches, including philosophy, ethics, and personal introspection.