How Science Progresses Flashcards
What is the coronavirus?
A family of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses eg. SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome).
SARS-COV-2 is the virus
COVID-19 is the disease
What is the cumulative concept (inductivist view) of scientific progression?
Building Block Approach
Logical testing and observation of the world produces knowledge that eventually lead to new scientific emergences.
Discuss Karl Popper’s Theory of Falsification for scientific progression
A theory can be supported or proven wrong. For a theory to be scientific it must be falsifiable. Progress is made when an established theory isn’t supported by new information. Eg. Black swan theory
Normal vs Extraordinary/Revolutionary Science
Normal science is specific and predictable (observing the world as is with no aims to reinvent), while extraordinary science is the means by which a new scientific paradigm is conceived (build up of anomilies).
Thomas Khun’s Scientific Revolutions
He argued that science does not progress linearly, but rather undergoes periodic revolutions, or paradigm shifts.
How do scientific revolutions came about?
- Paradigms- shared beliefs
- Normal Science- research confirms validity of existing paradigms
- Anomalies- minor changes according to research
- Extraordinary Science- Major changes due to extraordinary science
- Scientific Revolution
Continental Movement- Paradigm Shift
Continental Drift Theory (Pangea) states that earth’s continents which were once joined gradually moved apart.
Plate Tectonics explain continental movement in modern society.
Evolution vs. Creationism
Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution states that all different species have evolved from simple life forms due to natural selection (humans evolved from monkeys).
Creationism is the belief of a higher-being (God) that is responsible for creation.
