Science vs. Wisdom

From security challenges posed by other nations to international trade, the Department of State plays an increasingly prominent role in U.S. foreign policy decision-making. Day to day, the Department of State carries out its functions, which seem rather formulated. When you speak of formulas, science or math comes to mind. Both require a step-by-step thinking process towards the solution; however the scientific method as used in experimental science is more organized in guiding you to a solution or conclusion. In his work, The Flow of Policy-Making in the Department of State, Charleton Ogburn the daily routine of the Department of State as one which utilizes the science method. However, Ogburn¡¯s writing demonstrates otherwise, for his text resembles the wisdom method to describe the actions of the State.
In order to understand why Ogburn feels the State Department uses science rather than wisdom, both should be defined. The science method begins with constructing a hypoth...