Chapter 1: Introduction Flashcards
Operationally defined as a process for acquiring and validating information within a systematic body of knowledge to solve problems.
Science
T/F: The Bible describes a perfect creation, but human imperfection emerged post the Fall.
True
What are the Alternative Problem-Solving Methods
- Tradition
- Logic
- Deductive and Inductive Logic
- Consulting Authorities
- Trial and Error
- Experience
Often associated with religion and not always validated.
Tradition
Considered a precursor to science, providing a logical framework to sequentially organize thoughts.
The validity of logical solutions depends on their premises.
Logic
Moves from the general to the specific.
Deductive Logic
Moves from the specific to the general.
Inductive Logic
Solutions from authorities can be influenced by personal biases, whereas science aims for objectivity.
Consulting Authorities
Resorts to trial and error when facing complex problems, hoping for a chance discovery.
Trial and Error
Often specific to particular cases and may not apply univerally.
Science seeks generalized solutions based on empirical evidence.
Experience
A methodological approach for constructing empirically grounded theories of nature.
Scientific Method
Who are the Key Contributors to Empirically Grounded Theory?
Nicolaus Copernicus
Tycho Brahe
Johannes Kepler
Galileo Galilei
Rene Descarte
Isaac Newton
A scientific model that could be verified by observation.
Copernicus
Precise instrumental observations to verify the model.
Brahe
Scientific laws generalized from experiment.
Galileo
Mathematics to quantitatively express theoretical ideas.
Descartes and Newton
Theoretical derivation of an experimentally verifiable model.
Newton
What are the Scientific Method Stages?
- Observation
- Identifying problems (reactive) or recognizing opportunities (proactive.
- Formulating hypotheses based on establishes scientific principles.
- Testing and validating hypotheses through actual observations, surveys, or experiments.
- Drawing conclusions, accepting a hypothesis as valid when it cannot be invalidated.
What are the Limits of Science?
— It cannot be used to prove the existence of God
— Limited by instrumentation or the ability to make observations/measurements
— Limited by practicality (Time, Safety, Cost)
— Limited by Ethics
— Cannot be used to make moral and aesthetic judgement
This judgment determine what is right or wrong.
Moral Judgement
This judgement determine what is beautiful or ugly.
Aesthetic Judgement
Type of Research (Objective)
— Basic Research
— Applied Research
This research is conducted to establish fundamental facts and relationships within a discipline or field of study. It aims at gaining knowledge for its own sake.
Basic Research
This research is to obtain information for solving specific
problems.
Applied Research
Emphasized the importance of empirical measurement and the role of
induction in acquiring knowledge.
Aristotle and the Scientific Method
Father of Science
Aristotle
The application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life or, in other words, the means by which the human environment is changed and manipulated. It is the application of knowledge to achieve practical goals in a reproducible way.
Technology (definition)
Origin of the Word “Technology”
Derived from 2 Greek words:
“techne” - art, skill, craft, or the way and means by which something is acquired.
“logos” - signifies words or discourse used to express inner thoughts, sayings, or expressions
technology means discourse about the means by which things are acquired
Primarily focused on taking action to fulfill human needs and changing the human environment.
Technology
Seeks to understand the workings of the natural world, emphasizing knowledge about
the natural world more than
practical applications.
Science
