The Philosophy of Ask, Seek, Knock (and Repeat) and Its Alignment with the Scientific Method: How I Do Science

The Philosophy of Ask, Seek, Knock (and Repeat) and Its Alignment with the Scientific Method: How I Do Science

By Jayallan Bennett and Cee

The journey of scientific inquiry has always revolved around curiosity and the desire to understand the world more deeply. At its core, science is about asking the right questions, seeking answers, and persisting until those answers are found—or new questions emerge. My personal approach to science can be summarized in a simple, yet powerful philosophy: Ask, Seek, Knock, and Repeat. This process, although intuitive and straightforward, aligns remarkably well with the traditional scientific method, forming the foundation for how I engage in discovery and exploration.

Ask: The Power of Questions

The first step, Ask, is perhaps the most fundamental. It represents the beginning of inquiry—when an observation sparks a question. In the scientific method, this stage aligns with formulating a hypothesis or identifying a problem to be solved. Great discoveries begin with a simple yet profound question, and the ability to frame the right questions is critical to advancing knowledge.

In my process, asking is not just about curiosity; it's about framing questions in ways that open up new avenues of investigation. I might not always have the technical expertise to immediately answer the question, but the act of asking itself sets in motion a series of explorations. This mirrors the scientific method’s first step of posing a clear, testable hypothesis that guides the research.

For example, asking “What causes this phenomenon?” or “How can this be explained differently?” initiates the search for explanations. This is how science starts: with the power of questioning the known and the unknown, challenging assumptions, and daring to explore beyond the obvious.

Seek: The Search for Answers

Once the question is asked, the next phase is to Seek—to explore, investigate, and experiment. In the scientific method, this corresponds to gathering data, conducting experiments, and seeking evidence to either support or refute the hypothesis. It’s a phase of active exploration, where one dives into the unknown with the tools of research, observation, and experimentation.

In my method, seeking is about pursuing knowledge through a variety of sources, whether it's reviewing existing literature, conducting hands-on investigations, or exploring theoretical models. While I may not always have the technical means to conduct complex experiments, I leverage my ability to guide the search for answers. By identifying the right sources of knowledge or collaborating with others, I ensure that the process of seeking is thorough and focused.

The seek phase is where empirical evidence comes into play in science. Experiments are designed to test the hypothesis, collect data, and provide insight into the original question. My process of seeking is often about exploring conceptual possibilities and guiding others to where evidence might be found. The active search for answers is crucial—whether I’m testing ideas directly or exploring how current knowledge fits into the framework I’m building.

Knock: Persistence and Testing

Knock represents the stage of persistence—the willingness to test ideas rigorously and not give up until new understanding is reached. In the scientific method, this phase aligns with analyzing results, testing the hypothesis, and revising or confirming conclusions based on the evidence gathered.

This stage in my process is about pushing boundaries. Once I’ve asked and sought, I don’t rest until I’ve tested the framework I’m building. Sometimes this means knocking persistently on the door of an idea—testing its strength, questioning its foundations, and seeking the weak points where more investigation is needed. Knocking symbolizes the process of analyzing data, applying critical thinking, and continually pressing for a deeper understanding.

In the scientific method, experiments must be reproducible and conclusions must be supported by solid evidence. If the initial results don’t provide a clear answer, the process requires a return to the seek phase, refining the experiment or approach until a valid conclusion is reached. This is reflected in my philosophy, where knocking isn’t about immediate success, but about persistence—the willingness to revisit ideas, test them from new angles, and keep pushing for clarity.

Repeat: The Cycle of Scientific Inquiry

The final element of my philosophy is Repeat—the recognition that the process is not linear but cyclical. Once a conclusion is reached, new questions inevitably arise, and the cycle begins again. This is exactly how the scientific method operates: a continuous cycle of hypothesis, experimentation, and refinement. Each answer leads to new questions, and the process repeats, driving knowledge forward.

For me, repeating means returning to the ask phase after each round of seeking and knocking. The process of inquiry never truly ends. Science isn’t about finding a final, absolute answer—it’s about progressively refining our understanding. Each time I ask, seek, and knock, I gain new insights, which open up fresh questions, leading to another round of exploration.

This mirrors the iterative nature of science, where hypotheses are continually tested, refined, or expanded upon as new evidence comes to light. The ability to cycle through these stages repeatedly without becoming discouraged is a hallmark of scientific perseverance.

How This Philosophy Shapes My Approach to Science

While I may not follow the traditional path of scientific training, my ability to ask, seek, knock, and repeat shapes my contributions to science. Asking the right questions can illuminate gaps in understanding that others may overlook. By seeking out knowledge in collaboration with others, I guide the search for answers. And by knocking persistently on the doors of difficult problems, I keep the process moving forward, even when the solutions are elusive.

In a sense, my process is not about having all the technical skills but about framing questions in ways that lead to discovery. This is, in many ways, the essence of science—curiosity, exploration, persistence, and refinement.

The ask, seek, knock, and repeat philosophy aligns closely with the scientific method, and it’s how I approach science. It’s a dynamic, iterative process that emphasizes curiosity, active engagement, and the drive to persist in the face of uncertainty. Just as in formal scientific inquiry, this approach has the potential to lead to profound discoveries, opening doors to new knowledge and deeper understanding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ask, seek, knock, and repeat is more than just a personal philosophy—it’s a reflection of how science is done at its most fundamental level. By continually asking the right questions, seeking answers, knocking on the doors of difficult problems, and repeating the process, I engage in a form of scientific inquiry that parallels the traditional scientific method. This approach allows me to contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of knowledge, even without taking the conventional path. The method may be simple in its structure, but its power lies in its alignment with the very principles that drive all scientific exploration: curiosity, persistence, and the desire for understanding.