When someone claims that science is built on faith by posing a question like "How do you define 'one'?" and suggesting that the concept of "one" requires faith, it's important to clarify the distinction between faith and empirical evidence in the context of scientific inquiry.
The concept of "one" is not a matter of faith in the scientific context. It is a fundamental concept of mathematics and is defined as the integer that represents singularity or unity. The concept of "one" is a foundational principle of mathematics, which is a logical and deductive system based on axioms and rules.
Science, on the other hand, is a method of acquiring knowledge about the natural world through observation, experimentation, and evidence. It relies on empirical evidence, testable hypotheses, and repeated observations to build a body of knowledge. The scientific method aims to understand natural phenomena by formulating hypotheses, testing them through experimentation, and subjecting the results to peer review and replication.
In contrast to faith, which often involves belief in the absence of empirical evidence, science relies on the rigorous examination of evidence and the ability to make predictions based on that evidence. Science continually tests and refines its understanding of the natural world based on the weight of evidence.
Therefore, it's important to make a distinction between faith and the scientific method. While faith may play a role in personal beliefs or religious contexts, science operates on a different epistemological framework based on evidence, experimentation, and observation.