Lecture 1: intro

Question 1

what is the philosophy of science

Answer 1

What counts as ‘good’ lies on a continuum: different disciplines utilize the scientific method in different ways.

asking questions like:

• what does the theory explain?
• how well do its models predict?
• can the results be replicated?

Question 2

What’s interesing about fraudulant cases in the philosophy of science?

Answer 2

• sloppy science challenges the ‘common-sense view’ of science
• scientists are looking for truth
• scientific knowledge is objective
  
  • external influences should play no role
    - science is all about (empirical) evidence
• science is based on a unique method (observation –> research topic area –> hypothesis –> test with experiment –> analyze data –> report conclusions –> start again)

Question 3

objectivity

Answer 3

presupposes a distinction between objective and subjective claims

• clear construction of concepts
• absence of vagueness and ambiquity
• concepts need to be precise, specified, measurable and free from personal bias

Question 4

schroeder’s straircase betekenis

Answer 4

same info is given to the senses via visual system, but different people experience the image in different ways: The fact of the direction of the stairs is affected by one’s visual perspective

Question 5

x-ray technician betekenis

Answer 5

same info, but x-ray technician doesn’t see what the expert sees: the facts obtained by the x-ray depend on having prior knowledge

Question 6

Insider vs. outsider nadelen

Answer 6

nadelen insider:
- biased descriptions
- apologetic (protective) descriptions
nadelen outsider:
- too much emphasis on explanations
- false reduction of insider perspective

Question 7

oplossing voor insider/outsider probleem

Answer 7

• neutral stance
• reflexive stance
• Schutz zegt: take perspective of the stranger (is een mix van insider en outsider)

Question 8

naturalisme

Answer 8

the problem of understanding and explanation in the social science (the same as natural science)
- is it possible to use concepts such as causality and explanation when we speak about society?

Question 9

reductionism

Answer 9

the problem of the relation between holism and individualism in the social sciences
- is it possible to reduce social institutes to their individual members?

Question 10

normativity

Answer 10

the function of norms, values and rules in the social science
- are ‘subjects’ and ‘objects of research’ living in different worlds