Some tell us science is a way of seeing the world; others tell us it is a method; a few (the real philosophers I suspect) tell us that to be science an idea must have certain characteristics -- mainly that of being testable -- I think that is generally but not always true and that it is worthwhile to throw about wild speculations with the possibility that someone will think of a clever way to test it.
Well, of course, but does that distinguish "science" or just sane thinking?
I think of science metaphorically as a huge rambling edifice, with no plan or pretense of any control, going in every which direction, with pieces constantly being added. Most of which gets added is small and not much noticed except in the dedicated peer-reviewed journals, although sometimes something big gets tacked on.
From time to time an error gets added to the edifice, and sooner or later (usually sooner) has to be removed or maybe remodeled, but for the most part the edifice we have it is sound and will stay as it is indefinitely, with occasional new paint.
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