Lecture 1

Question 1

What are the three scientific components for scientific knowledge? And why are they essential?

Answer 1

1) Belief -> You can’t know something without believing it’s true.
2) Justification -> Reasons and explanations that support the belief.
3) Truth -> Test it to find out it’s true

Question 2

Why is astrology a pseudo-science?

Answer 2

Because it can not be tested or falsified.

Question 3

What are the four characteristics of the scientific method?

Answer 3

1) Naturalism: empirical investigation on natural phenomena
2) Evidentialism: beliefs should be supported by evidence that results from continuous and critical investigation
3) Openness to falsification: commitment to be proven wrong
4) Social/institutional accountability: not in isolation