closed belief system

Question 1

religion is closed and fixed

Answer 1

• this is because they are self sustaining belief system that are not open to criticisms so change cant take place

Question 2

they claim to have perfect knowledge of the absolute truth

Answer 2

• the religious knowledge are scared so they are not able to change them since it holds it on God’s divine authority

Question 3

HORTON

Answer 3

• like POPPER he sees science as an open belief system due to being open and relative

Question 4

Religion, magic etc

Answer 4

• they are closed belief systems because they make knowledge claims that cannot be overturned

Question 5

‘get out clauses’

Answer 5

• whenever beliefs are threatened they have methods that reinforce their system and prevent it from being disapproved

Question 6

POLANYI: 3 devices sustaining their system

Answer 6

• CIRCULARITY: they don’t necessarily answer the question they just explain it in terms of another idea (justify)
• SUBSIDIARY: problems are overlooked
• DENIAL OF LEGITIMACY TO RIVALS: reject arguments and denies everything (no credibility)