Falsification Strengths And Weaknesses

Question 1

In accordance with science
Strength

Answer 1

Falsification is in accordance with science - It restricts meaning to whatever we have scientific evidence for, which reflects the emphasis on empiricism (‘epistemic imperialism’) in 21st century life.

Question 2

Better than verification
Strength

Answer 2

Falsification captures how science is done better than Verification. This is because scientists don’t only look for verifications of a theory, they try to test and disprove it too by looking for falsifications of it.

Question 3

Test of reality
Strength

Answer 3

Falsification is a perfect test of whether a person’s belief is about reality or not. If someone seems like they are just holding onto a belief because of faith without any reason, you can ask them what it could possibly take for them to change their mind. A person with a rational belief based on evidence will be able to answer that question.

Question 4

Fails its own principle
Weakness

Answer 4

The Falsification Principle cannot be falsified. It is therefore not meaningful as it fails its own criteria.

Question 5

Wittegnstein
Weakness

Answer 5

‘Epistemic Imperalism’ - places too more emphasis on science. Why should a statement be seen as meaningless just because it is unscientific? Wittgenstein’s Language Games shows that statements can have meaning for those within a Form of Life, even if its not verifiable/falsifiable.

Question 6

Fideism
Weakness

Answer 6

Fideism: Religious belief is about ‘faith alone’. Religious statements are meaningful for those who have faith they are true, despite the fact they cannot be verified / falsified.
Links to Hare’s theory of Bliks - a critique of the FP.