Science Is An Open Belief System Whereas Religion Is Closed: Popper

Question 1

Popper

Answer 1

Sees science as an open system, one where knowledge - claims are open to criticism - science and the research behind them are subjected to scrutiny and review

Question 2

Falsification

Answer 2

Scientists strive to find evidence which may disprove their theories - any eventual theories which are developed are based on rigorous testing and strong evidence

Question 3

Cumulative

Answer 3

Describes scientific knowledge, that it current - day scientists are always building upon and expanding the work conducted by prev generations of researchers

Question 4

Horton

Answer 4

See’s religion as closed, it is unwilling to be scrutinised or challenged, often punishing those who dare to criticise it

Question 5

Fixed and unchangeable

Answer 5

Religious knowledge, makes knowledge claims that cannot be successfully overturned or disproven, meaning that it always claims to be true

Question 6

Get out clauses

Answer 6

Whenever it’s fundamental beliefs are threatened or questioned, it reinforces the system and prevent it from disapproval

Question 7

Polanyi: circular arguments

Answer 7

Ever time beliefs are challenged they try to justify it by citing another ides within the belief system, for example if a religious believer was questioned for possessing homophophic attitudes whilst believing that god loves people equally - may cite Adam and Eve and that god wants to practice heterosexuality

Question 8

Subsidiary arguements

Answer 8

When the supposed actions of god are questioned the offer an alternative explanation such as if innocent people die they say god works in mysterious ways

Question 9

Deny the legitimacy of rivals

Answer 9

Refusing to accept that any alternative worldview has credibility; this may often lead to attacks on those that propose alternative views. For example, Christian have openly protested against the teaching of evolutionary theory, arguing it goes against creationism

Question 10

Evaluation: scientific progress

Answer 10

Often very slow and that once a scientific theory becomes embedded and widely accepted, there is a tendency to presume its true. For any scientists who dares to challenge the theory they may be subjected to ridicule and put their career at risk

Question 11

Evaluation: not always that religion is always a closed belief system

Answer 11

Many scientists practice a faith too and have embraced the teachings as not the absolute truth but a deception of how the world was thousands of years earlier - it is possible to have both faith and an open understanding of the world today