Religious language [Verification​, Falsification​]

Question 1

Define Univocal (with example)

Answer 1

the word has exactly the same meaning at all times. eg: chair

Question 2

Define Equivocal (with example)

Answer 2

the same word is used with two different meanings. Eg: cricket

Question 3

Define cognitive (with example)

Answer 3

A statement that is subject to being true or false eg: “the cat is on the mat”

Question 4

define non-cognitive (with example)

Answer 4

A subject that is not subject to truth or falsity. Eg: hurray or ouch!

Question 5

What is “logical positivism”

Answer 5

A movement that believes that the main aim of philosophy should be the analysis of language. especially scientific language

Question 6

Vienna Circle: Name of their belief + Date + 2 Philosophers

Answer 6

Logical positivism. Strong Verification Principles. 1920 + 30s, Schlick+Neurath

Question 7

Define 2 Verification principles

Answer 7

Statements are only meaningful if they can be verified by the senses.

1: SVP: Vienna Circle. Senses/tautology
2: WVP: A J Ayer. (1910-89). Senses/Tautology/Possible to shown the be true beyond reasonable doubt.

Question 8

Weak Verification Principle

Answer 8

A J Ayer.
TAUTOLOGY/VERIFRYABE IN PRINCIPLE

Possible to be shown to be true beyond any reasonable doubt.

Question 9

Weak Verification Principle [Advantages]

+Ayers example

Answer 9

+Enables statements about emotions/science/past

Eg: “mountains on far side of moon” 🌒 at time unknown, but physically possible to verify truthfulness

Question 10

Define Metaphysics

Answer 10

Above and beyond physics. Questions concerning being and ultimate reality

Question 11

A J Ayers Book

Answer 11

Language Truth and Logic

Question 12

Weak Verification Principle (Criticisms x2 + counters)

Answer 12

1: John Hick: ESCHATOLOGICAL Verification! WVP makes religious statements meaningless. Could verify God on death. Eg: “2 travellers on road to celestial city, argument can be verified at end of journey”
COUNTER: Hicks criticism can be GENERALISED to anything. Eg “aliens are real, when you die you see them” no evidence.

2: CONTRADICTION. Verification Principle is in itself unverifiable. Not tautology/no evidence.
COUNTER Ayer: VP applicable to STATEMENTS NOT WHOLE THEORIES

Question 13

Tautology (+ example)

Answer 13

a logical statement that we can know to be true by definition.
Eg: “triangles🔼 have 3 sides”

Question 14

String Verification Principle [Weaknesses]

Answer 14

1: Rigid. HISTORICAL statements unverifiable.
2: IMPRACTICAL. SCIENTIFIC laws unprovable, Gravity being constant unverifiable as can only be in one place at a time.
3: Richard SWINBURNE. UNIVERSAL statements. “all raven’s are black” unverifiable so ‘meaningless’

Question 15

define falsification principle

Answer 15

assessing whether statements are genuine scientific assertions by considering whether any evidence could ever disprove them

Question 16

name two colours associated with falsification principle

Answer 16

Karl Popper and Antony flew

Question 17

describe Flews analogy relating falsification principle to God + quote

Answer 17

to explorers come across a clearing in a jungle and debate whether there is a gardener after a series of tests have been proposed and carried out the believer asserts that there is an invisible in tangible Gardner who works secretly. “god has died and death of a thousand qualifications”