What is science defined as?

Science is best defined as a systematic arrangement of facts and truths because it emphasizes the methodical organization and classification of information based on empirical evidence and observations. This definition encompasses the critical aspect of science: the process of gathering data through observation, experimentation, and analysis, which contributes to our understanding of the natural world.

The systematic nature of science implies that scientists not only collect facts but also seek to understand how these facts relate to one another, leading to theories and models that explain various phenomena. This organization helps to build a robust framework for knowledge that can be tested and expanded upon over time.

In contrast, while a body of theories and a philosophy of inquiry relate to aspects of scientific practice, they don't encapsulate the broader essence of science itself, which relies heavily on an accumulation of facts arranged in a coherent manner. An opinion based on observation strays into subjective interpretation, which is not the foundation of scientific inquiry that relies on objectivity and repeatability in its findings.