Verification

Question 1

Who is the key philosopher?

Answer 1

Ayer.

Question 2

What is the purpose of verificationism?

Answer 2

To prove something correct using evidence/observation. This leads to it becoming meaningful.

Question 3

How do you verify a statement?

Answer 3

Through the senses.

Question 4

Briefly explain logical posivitists.

Answer 4

• philosophers called the Vienna Circle
• believed that RL was meaningless
• believe statements are only meaningful if they can be verified

Question 5

Why do logical positivists believe RL is meaningless + unverifiable?

Answer 5

As it can’t be proved through sensory experiences.

Question 6

What 2 forms of verification do logical positivists accept?

Answer 6

1. analytic - true or false by definition (a priori)
2. synthetic - true or false through research (a posteriori)

Question 7

What did Ayer say about the necessary factualness of a statement/RL?

Answer 7

It doesn’t matter if the statement is true it just needs to be able to be verified. RL can’t be verified so is MEANINGLESS.

Question 8

What are the 2 types of verification?

Answer 8

Strong and weak.

Question 9

Explain strong verification + an issue.

Answer 9

Statements that are proved meaningful if verifiable in PRACTISE.
Issue is that all details must be anaylsed.

Question 10

Explain weak verification.

Answer 10

Statements are proved meaningful if verifiable in PRINCIPLE.

Question 11

What are the 2 strengths of the VP?

Answer 11

1. Logical and straightforward as it’s impossible to prove God’s existence
2. The scientific approach is appealing to the modern world.

Question 12

What are the main weaknesses of VP?

Answer 12

1. Some people believe religious statements can be verified
2. Historical statements can’t be empirically verified so are meaningless?
3. Anything can be verified using weak verification.