Philosphy of Science

Question 1

Philosophy of science, 3 main questions

Answer 1

1. Is there true knowledge?
2. How can research be carried? (best way?)
3. What is science?

Question 2

2 premises of Philosophy of science

Answer 2

1. Few people apart from the researcher can assess the quality of the research
2. the researcher thinks he/she has the true knowledge

Question 3

What does it mean that “researchers grow into their choices”

Answer 3

The influence of their training, values, topics and ways of researching affect their research & opinions.

Question 4

What are paradigms?

Answer 4

Paradigms are different viewpoints.

Question 5

4 Paradigmatic Stances
1. Ontology

Answer 5

The philosophy of being
- does reality exist?
- if so can we measure it?

Question 6

4 Paradigmatic Stances
2. Epistemology

Answer 6

Objective measurement
- can we truly measure what we perceive?
- do we all see the same?

Question 7

4 Paradigmatic Stances
3. Model of Man

Answer 7

• Deterministic: predictable behaviour (DR)
• Free will: unpredictable behaviour (IR)

Question 8

4 Paradigmatic Stances
4. Methodology

Answer 8

• Natural: statistical analysis
• Subjective: coherent analysis because everything is unique

Question 9

What are schools of thought?

Answer 9

Group of researchers sharing the same paradigm. Permanent and conservative values and ways of doing.

Question 10

Types of Paradigms
Paradigm with a capital P

Answer 10

Regarding science: should researchers stay in their labs or interact with society?

Question 11

Types of Paradigms
Paradigm with a small p

Answer 11

Regarding research: should researchers employ the same methods? and have the same views on certain topics?

Question 12

Types of Researchers
Empirical Analytical Researcher

Answer 12

1. Ontology: reality exists
2. Epistemology: objective measurement
3. Model of man: deterministic (nomothetic)
4. Methodology: natural (statistical generalisation; hypotheses)
   Critique: research is superficial; it is difficult to do applied research

Question 13

Types of Researchers
Interpretative Researcher

Answer 13

1. Ontology: different realities
2. Epistemology: subjective measurement
3. Model of man: free will (building/understanding theories)
4. Methodology: subjective (thick info, qualitative data)
   Critique: based on credibility rather than validity; double hermeneutics.