Ideology and Science Flashcards
What do many sociologists see modern science as a product of?
Many sociologists see modern science as a product of the process of rationalisation that began with the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century.
How has science impacted society over the last few centuries?
Science has had an enormous impact on society, eradicating many once fatal diseases and changing basic features of daily life such as transport, communications, work, and leisure.
What has been the effect of science and technology on economic productivity?
Science and technology have revolutionised economic productivity and raised our standard of living, leading to a widespread ‘faith in science’.
What are some negative consequences of scientific advancements?
Pollution, global warming, and weapons of mass destruction are products of science and technology, creating ‘manufactured risks’ that threaten the planet.
What distinguishes science from other belief systems?
Science’s cognitive power enables us to explain, predict, and control the world in ways that non-scientific belief systems cannot.
How does Karl Popper define science?
According to Karl Popper, science is an ‘open’ belief system where theories are open to scrutiny, criticism, and testing by others.
What principle governs scientific inquiry according to Popper?
Science is governed by the principle of falsification, where scientists seek evidence to disprove existing theories.
What happens if evidence contradicts a scientific theory?
If evidence contradicts a theory, it can be discarded, allowing the search for a better explanation to begin.
What does Popper say about the nature of scientific knowledge?
Popper argues that scientific knowledge is not sacred or absolute truth; it can always be questioned and potentially disproven.
How do closed belief systems differ from scientific knowledge?
Closed belief systems claim to have absolute truth, while scientific knowledge is provisional and open to challenge.
What is the nature of knowledge in closed belief systems?
Knowledge in closed belief systems is sacred and cannot be challenged, leading to fixed beliefs.
How does Horton distinguish between open and closed belief systems?
Horton sees science as an open belief system, while religion and magic are closed systems that cannot be successfully overturned.
What are ‘get-out clauses’ in closed belief systems?
Closed belief systems have devices that reinforce the system and prevent it from being disproved, such as witchcraft beliefs.
What devices do all belief systems have to sustain themselves?
Polanyi argues that belief systems use circularity, subsidiary explanations, and denial of legitimacy to rivals to sustain themselves.
What does Thomas Kuhn argue about mature sciences?
Kuhn argues that mature sciences are based on shared assumptions called paradigms, which dictate what is studied and how.
What is ‘normal science’ according to Kuhn?
Normal science is likened to puzzle solving, where scientists work within the paradigm to fill in details.
What happens to scientists who challenge the paradigm?
Scientists who challenge the paradigm may be ridiculed and pushed out of the profession.
What occurs during a scientific revolution?
During a scientific revolution, scientists become open to radically new ideas when faith in the paradigm is undermined by anomalies.
How do critical perspectives like Marxism and feminism view scientific knowledge?
Marxism and feminism see scientific knowledge as serving the interests of dominant groups, rather than as pure truth.
How has science been driven by capitalism?
Advances in science, such as theoretical work on ballistics, have been driven by capitalism’s need for certain types of knowledge.
What do postmodernists claim about science?
Postmodernists, like Lyotard, argue that science is one of many meta-narratives that falsely claim to possess the truth.
What is an ideology?
An ideology is a worldview or set of ideas and values, often used negatively to describe self-sustaining belief systems that are closed to criticism.
How does Marxism view society?
Marxism sees society as divided into two opposed classes: a capitalist ruling class and a propertyless working class.
What is the goal of the working class according to Marxism?
The working class must overthrow capitalism through a socialist revolution to achieve a classless society.
What is necessary for the working class to achieve revolution?
The working class must develop class consciousness to recognize their exploitation as ‘wage slaves’.
How does the ruling class maintain control over ideas?
The ruling class controls the means of production of ideas through institutions like education and media, producing ruling-class ideology.
What are some examples of ruling-class ideology?
Ruling-class ideologies include beliefs that equality is against ‘human nature’ and racist ideas that divide workers.
What is nationalism in the Marxist view?
Nationalism is seen as false class consciousness that divides the international working class and prevents the overthrow of capitalism.
How do functionalists view nationalism?
Functionalists see nationalism as a secular civil religion that integrates individuals into larger social units.
What role does education play in functionalism?
Education creates social solidarity and may include collective rituals involving nationalist symbols.
How do feminists view gender inequality?
Feminists see gender inequality as a fundamental division in society, legitimized by patriarchal ideology.
What historical views have justified excluding women from education?
19th-century doctors and scientists claimed that educating women would lead to negative outcomes for future generations.
How have religious beliefs defined women as inferior?
Religious ideologies have often portrayed women as ritually impure, leading to purification rituals.
What is an example of a purification ritual in Christianity?
In some Christian churches, a new mother may not receive communion until after she has been churched.
Were there matriarchal religions before monotheistic ones?
Yes, before monotheistic religions, matriarchal religions with female deities and priests were widespread.
