Lecture 12

Question 1

Scientific revolution meaning

Answer 1

A radical change where existing theory is being overturn in favor of new science

Question 2

Gestalt switch meaning

Answer 2

someone’s perspective changes from one to another (rabbit to duck)

Question 3

How to know is a theory is better than the anterior theory?

Answer 3

By comparing 1. Successful predictiveness 2. Technological innovation

Question 4

No miracles argument

Answer 4

If scientific theories were not at least approximately true, it would be a miracle that they work so well.

1. Science produces predictively successful and technology innovative theories
2. Best explanation is that theyre probably true

Question 5

Pessimistic induction argument

Answer 5

If past scientific theories were successful but later found to be false, why should we believe that our current theories are true?

1. Many scientific theories in history were once widely accepted and highly successful but are now considered false
2. Current scientific theories are likely to share the same fate as past theories.