soft skills Flashcards
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What is the difference between science and pseudoscience? Give an example of a
pseudoscience.
Science relies on evidence, experiments, and the scientific method. It is falsifiable and evolves with new data.
Pseudoscience lacks proper testing, relies on anecdotal evidence, and ignores contradictory facts.
What is understood by the scientific community?
The scientific community is a group of experts who conduct research, review findings, and advance knowledge using the scientific method. They ensure accuracy through peer review, collaboration, and continuous discovery.
What is the educational ideal that Wilhelm von Humboldt formulated with regard to universities?
Unity of Research and Teaching – Professors should engage in both teaching and research.
Academic Freedom – Scholars and students should explore knowledge without restrictions.
Holistic Education – Focus on developing independent thinking rather than just vocational training
- What is the difference between pure science and applied science?
Pure Science (Basic Science) focuses on gaining knowledge and understanding natural phenomena without immediate practical use. Example: Studying gravity.
Applied Science uses scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems. Example: Engineering a bridge using physics.
What is the difference between natural sciences and cultural sciences in terms of the degree of
exactness of the results obtained?
Natural Sciences (e.g., physics, chemistry, biology) aim for high exactness through experiments, measurements, and universal laws. Their results are often quantifiable and replicable.
Cultural Sciences (e.g., history, sociology, anthropology) study human culture and behavior, leading to less exact results due to interpretation, context, and subjective influences. Their findings are often qualitative and context-dependent.
What is meant by “cancel culture” and what by “wokeness”? To what extent do they contradict
the idea of freedom of science?
Cancel Culture is publicly shaming or boycotting someone for controversial actions or views.
Wokeness is social awareness of inequality and injustice.
Both can limit scientific freedom if they discourage open discussion or suppress dissenting ideas.
What is the difference between explanation and understanding?
Explanation is providing clear details or reasons behind something, often in objective terms.
Understanding is grasping the meaning or significance of something, often at a deeper, more personal level.
What is the guiding question in a research project that is aimed at designing something?
The guiding question in a research project aimed at designing something is typically:
“How can we create a solution that meets specific needs or solves a particular problem?
What is the difference between a lexical and a stipulative definition? Can a lexical definition be
called true or false? Can a stipulative definition be called true or false?
- Lexical Definition: Defines a word as it is commonly used. Can be true or false based on common usage.
- Stipulative Definition: Assigns a specific meaning for a purpose. Cannot be true or false.
What kind of definition is the following one: “An adult is of ‘normal weight’ if he or she has a
body mass index between 18.5 and 25.”
The given definition is an example of a stipulative definition. It assigns a specific criterion (body mass index between 18.5 and 25) to the term “normal weight” for the purpose of a particular discussion or context.
- What is the difference between an axiom and a hypothesis?
An axiom is a universally accepted principle, while a hypothesis is a testable statement.
What is understood by „Ockham’s razor“?
Ockham’s razor suggests that the simplest explanation is usually the correct one.
