Lecture 2 Flashcards
How do we investigate natural reality?
The trial and error method
How is data obtained with the scientific approach?
Through laboratory experiments, direct observations, and interpretations based on verifiable data.
What happens before something is published?
Data is checked and peer reviewed
What happens if a hypothesis is re-checked and withstands criticism?
It can turn into a theory
What is a theory using scientific language?
Associated with demonstrated facts and ideas. Remains true until proven wrong or insufficient to accommodate additional observational data
What is a paradigm?
What a theory can be transformed into if it holds up. A set of rules about how we govern ourselves in science.
What is something scientists cannot do?
Create miracles. Scientists do not create reality, they observe it.
What is “theory” associated with in common language?
Whether something is true or not.
How many words are specific to palaeontology?
11 000 plus.
Is religion absolute or relative?
Absolute. Doesn’t change much through time, based on Dogma.
Is art absolute or relative?
Dual. Absolute in that the artist creates the work of art, relative in what the public makes of the work of art
Is law absolute or relative?
Absolute on limited periods of time (has changed in certain time periods, but remains around a central idea)
Is science relative or absolute?
Relative-changes through time and in the domains of applicability.
What are 2 examples of science being relative?
Lightspeed. Other galaxies are actually moving faster than lightspeed. Also Newtons theory of gravity, as gravity works differently on other planets
Is philosophy relative or absolute?
Entirely relative-multiple datasources, info can come from everything. Is detrimental to science.
