Chapter 5 - 7 Flashcards
Define falsification in the context of scientific
Experiment or observation that shows a theory to be false.
A falsified theory? > incorrect based on empirical evidence.
What is the criterion for a theory to be considered falsifiable?
When it is shown false through experimentation or observation.
What is a genuine scientific theory according to Popper?
A falsifiable theory.
Only theories that can be potentially proven false through empirical evidence are considered genuine scientific theories.
What is the core idea of scientific creativity in Popper’s falsificationism?
being falsifiable is the only limit on the theories that scientists can come up with.
Popper emphasizes that scientific theories do not require inductive support and encourages the formulation of bold hypotheses that can be rigorously tested.
What is the purpose of scientific observations and experiments according to Popper
is not to find evidence for theories but to subject theories to tests. Scientists actively seek falsifications and design experiments that have the potential to disprove or reject hypotheses.
Explain the concept of deduction in Popper’s falsificationism
Popper suggests that the logic of falsification is deductive, not inductive. Scientists use deductive reasoning to evaluate theories. If a theory is true, specific observations or experimental results must be expected. If these expected observations are not observed, the theory can be concluded to be false.
According to Popper, can scientists claim that a theory is true or likely to be true?
No, Popper argues that scientists never conclude that a theory is true or likely to be true. Scientists only recognize two classes of theories:
- those that have been falsified and are known to be false
-those that have not been falsified yet, and therefore could be either true or false.
How does Popper distinguish between science and pseudo-science in terms of differentiating criteria?
He suggests that genuine science involves the use of falsifiable theories that are taken seriously, while pseudo-science relies on theories that are not effectively testable or refutable.
Give examples of pseudo-science according to Popper.
astrology, Freudian psychology, and Marxist theories of history.
- rely on confirmations without seeking falsifications and lack testing
What is the normative component of science?
A normative statement expresses an evaluation, saying that something is good or bad, better or worse, relative to some standard or alternative.
Example: Popper
vaststellen wat de maatstaven van goede wetenschap zijn (bijvoorbeeld
objectiviteit, controleerbaarheid)
What is the descriptive component of science?
The descriptive component of science examines the historical and contextual aspects of scientific development.
> how the world is without saying whether that’s good or bad.
Example: Kuhn
beschrijft methoden of stijlen van redeneren die in de wetenschappelijke praktijk een rol spelen of hebben gespeeld; w.f. moet historisch adequaat zijn.
How are the rules of science taught traditionally?
The traditional approach to teaching science involves instructing students in the rules of science.
What are the major problems with teaching the rules of science?
The major problems are identifying the rules of science and their limited applicability in different scientific situations.
What does Kuhn propose as an alternative to teaching the rules of science?
Kuhn suggests that science is taught through exemplars
What is an Exemplar?
Exemplars are examples that serve as models of good science
