Epistemology Flashcards
Lec 2 & 3
What is epistemology?
Epistemology is study of knowledge and thinking. questioning what we know, or what we can know with certainty. what knowledge is valuable depends on how we interpret it.
How do we correct previous knowledge and acquire new knowledge?
empirical, measurable scientific evidence (observation). Empirical is info coming form five senses.
What are three things we know about science?
- science is a method of inquiry. 2. science is a social human activity. 3. science is value neutral… but how its used by humans is not neutral ie how someone chooses to use atomic bombs.
What are the 9 steps of the scientific method?
- define the research q 2. summarize the current understanding of the issue 3. propose a hypoth 4. describe methods and procedures to test that hypoth 5. observe and record what happens 6. analyze the data 7. discuss the data 8. draw conclusions 9. publish the results for testing by others
What is philosophy of science?
epistemological questions that are about the nature and adequacy of knowledge. so looking at the motivations behind the scientists and authors of research. these qs examine assumptions involved in scientific methods; is reality consistent? do humans perceive reality accurately? can rational explanations always be found?
What does the philosophy of science start with?
the awareness that our observations can be imprecise. (schemas, construals). so what we’re directly seeing is not necessarily accurate, or telling the full story. how we perceive things is influenced by tradition, education, and family. this means that two researchers can view the same event differently.
What has Descartes taught us?
our 5 senses (how we get empirical info) can be manipulated, and that simply trusting our senses can be imprecise. ie optical illusions.
What did we learn from Eadweard Muybridge and his stop-motion?
ppl didnt actually know how horses galloped, so it showed that our beliefs can impact our observations. so ppl see what they expect to see.
What is moral reasoning?
ethical thinkin.g so looking at what one ought to do. so whats right and whats wrong.
Why is it important to support curricular efforts aimed at producing citizens who can take charge of their own reasoning?
bc if we have a nation full or ppl who are only technically competent and are unable to think critically, self evaluate, or respect the humanity and diversity of others, it would be catastrophic.
How did René Descartes impact philosophers thinking?
was doubtful of everything and said that bc our senses can be manipulated, simply trusting our senses can be imprecise. (so need more then just observational info). he said that all one cannot genuinely doubt is the existence of oneself. ie i think therefore i am. so he said that its possible we’re all subjects of mass deception, however his goal is to point out that we cannot rashly accept everything, or call them all into question.
What are the current focuses of the philosophy of science?
- the activities of scientists; their methods, and values attached. 2. the nature of scientific theories; effects of science on non-scientists and nonscientific institutions. 3. the nature of scientific knowledge and how it is obtained; how science is scrutinized and validated.
Why are those the current focuses of the philosophy of science?
- bc it exposes assumptions and allows self-conscious criticism. 2. think about what we’re doing. 3. ID ethical issues and dilemmas 4. inform science policy and regulations.
What is epistemic responsibility?
embracing the idea that we want to be accountable (responsible) for our knowledge (episteme). so having evidence to support our views.
What is the first theory of knowledge?
- empiricism; knowledge is gained from sense-based experience. so its based on empirical info. observation and experimentation produce knowledge.
What is the second theory of knowledge?
rationalism; knowledge gained from reason. deductive connections that can be made. so dont have to see the evidence that 1+1=2 to know that its true. reason is IDP of experiences so it involves thinking and logic, and the ability to form judgments using logic.
What is the third theory of knowledge?
Inductivism; knowledge gained through repeated experience and empirical observations. theories based on induction which is when we draw general conclusions based on specific observations or instances. ie the sun rising everyday. so it assumes the observed regularities will continue.
What are paradigms?
accepted models or patterns. they provide evidence, techniques to solve problems, and a list of admissible problems. normal science is working within a paradigm and scientific revolutions replace paradigms.
What are paradigm shifts?
brief periods of revolution and discovery then long periods of normalcy. ie changes in technology.
What does philosophy question (epistemological view)?
the methods and motivations of science and scientists to seek to determine the most defensible position. so what ppl decide to do with science.
