LECTURE 1 Flashcards
Scientism and Science
Scientism: Scientism is the belief that science is the ultimate path to knowledge and that it should be applied to all areas of life and understanding, often to the exclusion of other viewpoints.
Science: In the context of scientism, science refers to the empirical, systematic, and methodological approach to gaining knowledge about the natural world.
Mind as a “Crooked Mirror”
The writers use the notion of the mind as a “crooked mirror” to suggest that human perception and cognition are inherently flawed or biased, distorting our understanding of reality.
Key words: knowledge and facts are social
constructions and therefore all is relative (relativism)
Also associated with Post modernism = post (after) modernism,
pluralistic thinking
Post-Modernism
Post-Modernism: Post-modernism is an intellectual stance or mode of discourse that questions the objectivity of knowledge and truth, emphasizing the relative and constructed nature of reality.
Opposite Concept: The opposite concept within the framework of thinking about science could be scientific realism, which posits that the world described by science is real and that scientific theories are accurate descriptions of this reality.
Skepticism and “Anything Goes”
Skepticism: The view that we cannot know anything for sure. It is an approach that questions the certainty and reliability of knowledge, often doubting the validity of scientific claims.
Anything Goes: This phrase, popularized by philosopher Paul Feyerabend, suggests that there are no fixed scientific methodologies and that any approach to knowledge creation can be valid.
Types of Skepticisms
1) Philosophical skepticism: doubting the possibility of knowledge (this is the skepticism the book is talking about)
2) Scientific skepticism: treat all knowledge/evidence with reasonable doubt until convinced of its worth (critical thinking about/within science—peer review system)
3) Voltairean skepticism: doubt about institutions, not only formal
institutions but especially traditional and religious beliefs and values.
4) Dogmatic skepticism: doubting all knowledge; knowledge is always impossible (dogma = doctrine, incontrovertible, true)
5) Nihilistic skepticism: knowledge is always impossible and therefore we must not act (nihilism = everything is meaningless.)
Debate Between Scientism and Skepticism
The debate between scientism and skepticism involves a discussion on the extent to which science can claim to provide absolute knowledge. Scientism advocates for the dominance of scientific methods, while skepticism challenges the certainty and scope of scientific claims.
Current Example: The debate over the use of artificial intelligence in decision-making exemplifies this conflict, where proponents argue for its accuracy and efficiency (scientism), while critics warn about ethical concerns and the limitations of AI understanding (skepticism).
Most Important Questions in the Book
The authors highlight questions about the nature of scientific knowledge, its limits, the role of human cognition, and the interaction between science and society as the most important questions addressed in the book.
Meaning of “Exploring Humans”
By the title “Exploring Humans,” the writers refer to the investigation of human nature, behavior, cognition, and society through various scientific and philosophical lenses.
Summary of the three parts of the book
Part I: Foundations of Human Knowledge
This section delves into the early philosophical foundations of human knowledge. It begins with an exploration of rationalism and empiricism in antiquity, examining how ancient thinkers grappled with the nature of reality and knowledge. The narrative then transitions to the Scientific Revolution, highlighting Francis Bacon’s contributions and the subsequent rise of early modern rationalism and empiricism. The part concludes by addressing the limitations of science through the perspectives of David Hume and Immanuel Kant, particularly their insights on human knowledge and understanding.
Part II: Evolution of Knowledge Theories
This section examines the progression of knowledge theories from the 19th century onward. It begins with positivism and hermeneutics, contrasting these approaches to understanding human knowledge. The discussion then moves to logical positivism and critical rationalism, highlighting significant shifts in the philosophy of science. The concepts of language games and paradigms are explored, followed by an analysis of research programs and methodological anarchy, emphasizing the competition and freedom in the pursuit of knowledge. The part concludes with a discussion on scientific realism, addressing ongoing debates about the nature and reality of scientific theories.
Part III: Modern Perspectives and the Nature of Science
This section explores contemporary views on knowledge and science. It begins with an examination of pragmatism and naturalism, focusing on their implications for understanding and conducting scientific inquiry. The narrative then considers the prospects of unifying the social sciences and the role of pluralism in scientific practice. The book concludes by addressing the fundamental question of what science is, synthesizing insights from the entire text to provide a comprehensive understanding of the nature and scope of scientific knowledge.
Important Concepts
- Scientism: The belief in the universal applicability of scientific methods and the supremacy of scientific knowledge.
- Skepticism: An attitude of doubt towards knowledge claims, emphasizing the uncertainty and limitations of human understanding.
- Post-Modernism: An intellectual stance challenging the objectivity and universality of knowledge, stressing its relative and constructed nature.
- Anything Goes: A phrase denoting the rejection of strict scientific methodologies, advocating for methodological pluralism.
Important individuals
Dolly and Snuppy: Reference to famous cases of cloning (Dolly the sheep and Snuppy the dog), illustrating debates on scientific possibilities and ethical considerations.
Paul Feyerabend: A philosopher known for his criticism of the rigid application of scientific methodologies, advocating for a more pluralistic approach to knowledge.
Charles Peirce: A philosopher who outlined the different methods of knowing and emphasized the importance of the scientific method in gaining reliable knowledge.
Two Methods of Inquiry
Naïve Inquiry: This method involves casual, everyday thinking and problem-solving without systematic methodology (common sense, premodern thinking).
Scientific Inquiry: A systematic, empirical approach to understanding phenomena, involving observation, experimentation, and theorizing (scientific method, analytical, empirical,experimental) Science shifts the focus of truth from single individuals to groups, by establishing a set of mutually agreed upon rules for establishing truth.
Most Important Difference
The most important difference is the systematic and empirical nature of scientific inquiry, which relies on structured methodologies and evidence, as opposed to the casual and unsystematic nature of naïve inquiry.
Four Methods of Knowing Naive inquiry
1) Method of Tenacity: Holding on to beliefs simply because they have always been believed.
2) Method of Authority: accepting beliefs based on the authority of those who advocate them.
3) Method of the Reasonable Man (A Priori Method): Using logical reasoning and philosophical thinking to establish beliefs.
4) Myths
Basic Requirements of the Scientific Method
Empiricism: Reliance on observable and measurable evidence.
Repeatability: Findings must be replicable by others.
Falsifiability: Theories must be testable and capable of being proven false.
Objectivity: minimizing bias and subjectivity in the investigation.
