Scientific texts avoid ambiguity.
A text is a coherent set of statements with communicative intent expressed through signs. The adjective scientific , for its part, names that which belongs to or is related to science (which is the set of methods and techniques that allow information to be organized).
A scientific text , therefore, is based on the use of scientific language . It is a type of text that uses clear language, with syntax that is not too complex and ordered sentences. The objective is that the information is not misinterpreted: these texts, therefore, must be precise.
Characteristics of a scientific text
Whoever writes a scientific text avoids ambiguous terms since he intends for the meaning of his words to be univocal, with a single signifier and meaning. That is why it tries to minimize any trace of subjectivity, highlighting concrete data over opinions.
The intention is that the scientific text is understood by any member of the group to which it is addressed. It aspires to universality through its specific terminology, which allows precise and accurate translations into other languages with no room for misinterpretation.
Scientific texts, on the other hand, present statements that can be subjected to verifiability (that is, they can be verified). Typically, they are produced within the framework of a scientific community to communicate and demonstrate the progress made in research . Thanks to popular science magazines, these contents reach a greater number of recipients, although these publications usually use other types of language closer to the average reader.
Scientific texts favor the transmission of knowledge.
Tool to transmit knowledge
This need to raise awareness, in some way, of the content of a scientific text arises from the culturally instilled rejection of exact knowledge and, why not?, of reading in general. Mathematics, physics, astronomy, are subjects whose complexity is usually perceived in an exaggerated way, which produces a kind of fear in students because they believe that they will not be able to understand them.
In this sense, it is undeniable that purely technical texts do not pay attention to the color of their lines, they do not seek a friendly or considerate way of expressing knowledge, but rather they rely on an effective organization model, assuming that their readers will approach They thirst to learn, to resolve doubts.
Unlike fiction, scientific texts must be prepared to be consulted quickly and in no particular order. It is essential that the topics are arranged in such a way that readers find the chapter of interest in a few seconds. This is because on many occasions, these books are used at critical moments in a creative process, whether research or development, since they contain the solution to those problems that prevent continuing with the work.
Scientific texts with different perspectives
It is important to note that the same topic can be approached from different perspectives, even when it comes to very specific mathematical concepts. Take for example geometry, the branch that studies the properties of figures in space: both a mathematician, a programmer or an architect may need to internalize certain concepts of geometry, but each one starts from a different series of needs and knowledge. previous ones, so the same text would not be suitable for all three.
Depending on the topic they cover, books with scientific content may include exercises at the end of each chapter, which encourage readers to put into practice what they have learned so far. This is especially useful in mathematics and physics, and represents the natural behavior of anyone interested in these subjects: the reader of scientific texts wants to discover and do, theorize and realize.