Philosophy of Science

Question 1

Scientific reductionism

Answer 1

Idea where science reduces complex interactions and entities to the sum of their parts.

Question 2

Scientific Paradigm

Answer 2

Framework containing all commonly accepted views about a given subject.

Question 3

Paradigm Shifts

Answer 3

A shift that changes the way science looks at the world/a topic.

Question 4

Occam’s razor

Answer 4

The simplest answer is most correct → process of paring down info to make truth-finding easier.

Question 5

Verification Error

Answer 5

When too attached to a theory, a scientist may forget to look at or miss observations that contradict their theory.

Question 6

Ad hoc analysis

Answer 6

-analysis added after data is acquired rather than in the initial hypothesis
-can be used to explain away contrary evidence.

Question 7

Fringe science

Answer 7

Departs from established scientific theories but uses the scientific method

Question 8

Junk science

Answer 8

Not real science, often practiced for or influenced by politics/business

Question 9

Misconceptions

Answer 9

Semi-truth or falsehood treated as scientific fact

Question 10

Pseudoscience

Answer 10

Similar to misconceptions: masquerades as real science