"Now, here's what I'm wondering. Scientist do not assume anything. They look for natural explanations. Is looking for a 'natural' explanation a sort of assumption?"
What is the meaning of natural vs. supernatural? I suspect if you answer this you will find that it becomes obvious why scientists seek "natural" explanations.
I don't really like the word supernatural. It seems that it impies magic. Everyone starts thinking poofism (which is a funny word!)
su·per·nat·u·ral
adj.
Of or relating to existence outside the natural world.
Attributed to a power that seems to violate or go beyond natural forces.
Of or relating to a deity.
Of or relating to the immediate exercise of divine power; miraculous.
mag·ic
n.
The art that purports to control or forecast natural events, effects, or forces by invoking the supernatural.
The practice of using charms, spells, or rituals to attempt to produce supernatural effects or control events in nature.
The charms, spells, and rituals so used.
The exercise of sleight of hand or conjuring for entertainment.
A mysterious quality of enchantment: “For me the names of those men breathed the magic of the past” (Max Beerbohm).
adj.
Of, relating to, or invoking the supernatural: “stubborn unlaid ghost/That breaks his magic chains at curfew time” (John Milton).
Possessing distinctive qualities that produce unaccountable or baffling effects.
Of or relating to the miraculous.
I am wondering though if natural has become too narrow, although I have no idea how you could expand it. In this silly scenario of mine, it wouldn't have to be supernature, as it could have been a person who did it, just other intelligence. I can see how this is a delima for scientist though. Hmm
Please don't associate me with ID and it's connotations because I wrote intelligence. I've had a lot of that.