LECTURE 3 Flashcards
Ockham’s Razor
- Description: Ockham’s Razor, attributed to the medieval philosopher William of Ockham, is a principle that suggests that when faced with competing hypotheses, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected. It advocates for parsimony in explanation.
- Contemporary Example: In medical diagnosis, if a patient presents with symptoms that could be caused by either a common cold or a rare disease, Ockham’s Razor would favor diagnosing the common cold, as it is the simpler explanation with fewer assumptions.
Ockham’s Razor: Principle of Parsimony vs. Simplicity
This means that Ockham’s Razor advocates for the least complex explanation that sufficiently explains the phenomenon, rather than the simplest possible explanation. The focus is on minimizing unnecessary assumptions rather than simplifying the explanation to the point of inadequacy.
Medieval Aristotelian Worldview
The medieval Aristotelian worldview was based on Aristotle’s philosophy and Ptolemaic astronomy. It held that the Earth was the center of the universe, with all heavenly bodies moving in perfect circular orbits around it. This geocentric view was complemented by the belief in a hierarchy of being and the notion that natural phenomena could be explained through teleological (purpose-driven) causes.
Impact of Copernicus’ Books
Copernicus’ works, particularly “De revolutionibus orbium coelestium,” proposed a heliocentric model of the universe, placing the Sun at the center rather than the Earth. This fundamentally challenged the geocentric model of the medieval Aristotelian worldview and initiated a shift towards a more scientific and observational approach to understanding the cosmos.
Francis Bacon’s Contribution to the Philosophy of Science
Francis Bacon emphasized the importance of empirical methods and inductive reasoning in the acquisition of knowledge. He argued for a systematic approach to scientific inquiry that involved observation, experimentation, and the gradual building of knowledge from particular instances to general principles
Bacon’s Idols and Their Fate
According to Bacon, the ‘idols of the mind’ are sources of error that hinder human understanding and must be eliminated for true knowledge to flourish. The idols described by Bacon are:
- Idols of the Tribe: Human nature’s tendencies to perceive more order and regularity in systems than actually exist.
- Idols of the Cave: Individual biases based on personal experiences and education.
- Idols of the Marketplace: Miscommunications and misunderstandings arising from the use of language.
- Idols of the Theatre: Dogmatic adherence to philosophical and scientific doctrines.
Scientific Revolution
The Scientific Revolution refers to the period, roughly from the mid-16th century to the late 18th century, during which modern science emerged. It involved a profound transformation in scientific ideas across mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry, and in the broader philosophical understanding of nature.
Important Features of the Scientific Revolution
Key features include the development of the scientific method, a shift towards empirical evidence and experimentation, the questioning of traditional authorities, and significant advancements in various scientific disciplines. It also marked the move from a predominantly qualitative to a quantitative approach to understanding natural phenomena.
Presence of Scientific Revolution Features Today
Yes, these features persist in today’s society. The scientific method remains foundational in scientific research, and empirical evidence continues to be the basis for knowledge validation. The questioning of established ideas and reliance on experimentation and observation are integral to scientific progress.
Consequences of the Scientific Revolution
The Scientific Revolution fundamentally altered how people experienced the world by promoting a view of nature as a predictable, quantifiable system governed by natural laws. It led to the decline of superstitions and religious explanations of natural phenomena and encouraged a more secular, mechanistic worldview.
Meaning of the Chapter Title
“Beyond the Pillars of Hercules: A New Philosophy of Science” refers to the expansion of knowledge beyond the previously accepted boundaries. The Pillars of Hercules, a metaphor for the limits of the known world, symbolize the transition to new horizons in scientific thought, moving away from ancient and medieval perspectives towards modern scientific inquiry.
Important Terms
- Ockham’s Razor: A principle advocating for the simplest explanation with the fewest assumptions.
- Medieval Worldview: The geocentric, hierarchical view of the universe based on Aristotle and Ptolemy’s ideas.
- Tabula Rasa: The idea, often associated with John Locke, that individuals are born without innate knowledge, and knowledge is gained through experience.
- Bacon’s Idols: Sources of error and bias that hinder human understanding and need to be removed for true knowledge.
- Scientific Revolution: The period of major scientific advances and changes in the understanding of the natural world.
- Mechanical Worldview: The view that the universe operates like a machine according to physical laws.
- Features of Scientific Revolution: Characteristics such as empirical evidence, scientific method, experimentation, and a shift from qualitative to quantitative analysis.
- Disenchantment: The process by which the world is understood as being governed by natural laws rather than mystical or supernatural forces.
- Epistemology: The study of knowledge, its nature, sources, and limits.
Important Individuals
- William of Ockham: Philosopher known for Ockham’s Razor.
- Nicolaus Copernicus: Astronomer who proposed the heliocentric model.
- Francis Bacon: Philosopher who advocated for empirical methods and inductive reasoning.
- Galilei Galileo: Scientist who made significant contributions to physics and astronomy, and supported the heliocentric theory.
- Johannes Kepler: Astronomer known for his laws of planetary motion.
- Isaac Newton: Physicist and mathematician who formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation, significantly advancing the Scientific Revolution.
