Science Is A Closed Belief System: Paradigms

Question 1

Kuhn

Answer 1

The most major scientific fields are in fact restricted by paradigms, refer to major assumptions which scientists make when it comes to which method, evidence + theories to be accepted

Question 2

Paradigm has been established

Answer 2

Future scientists are then expected to work within its confines + if they go against, they may face ridicule, for example behe developed the theory of intelligent design, attempting to challenge the theory of evolution which has been widely accepted. He claimed that he found evidence which went against this and he was mocked

Question 3

Challenges to paradigms tend to happen slowly

Answer 3

When enough evidence has accumulated to disprove an idea, but then the old paradigm will simply be replaced with a new one - paradigm shift - concludes that science is not always all that open or objective at all

Question 4

Evaluation: science has advanced

Answer 4

In the 1800’s + 1900’s, science was still in its infancy + researchers did not have the same tools they have today to develop alternative ideas and are more advanced. It can be assumed that any ideas which are paradigmatic are dominant because there is evidence to support them

Question 5

Evaluation: Scientific paradigms dominant

Answer 5

Because they are backed by objective evidence and rigours testing, rather than being based on ‘ assumptions’ of scientists