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Philosophy of Science and Methodology Study Questions Weeks 1-7
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Study questions for Philosophy of Science and Methodology weeks 1-7
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Study Guide
In the Study Guide found below, you will find questions regarding the chapters in the book
and the readings from the syllabus. These questions will help you in your understanding of
the text by pointing you towards the most important parts of each text. There will also be a
list of important concepts provided per text. You will need to be able to define these concepts
and, crucially, fully understand them. You will also be given a list of important names
associated with each reading. You will be expected to know which theory or concept is
associated with which person, what the theory or concept entails, and place the person in his
(or her) timeframe. Some individuals will appear in multiple chapters.
Good luck and have fun!
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Week 1
Book Introduction chapter, pp. 11-14.
Introduction: Between Scepticism and Scientism
1. What is meant by scientism and, in scientism, what is meant by science?
Scientism is a philosophical position that claims science is what produces certain
knowledge. This position strongly believes that through science, a certain and true
type of knowledge is produced. It prides on a particular method, the scientific
method, being the only way one can obtain facts and the truth. In scientism,
science is regarded as superior to all other forms of gaining knowledge as its laws
provide certainty.
2. What do the writers mean by the notion of the mind as a “crooked mirror”?
The notion of the mind as a “crooked mirror” coincides with the philosophical
position, scepticism. It connotates the fact that we as humans are fallible, prone to
making mistakes, and therefore are incapable of knowing and ever knowing
everything. Therefore, instead of a perfect mirror, which is believed by scientism,
we should view ourselves as a “crooked mirror” or an enchanted glass that
celebrates a multitude of perceptions of how we see the world and obtain
knowledge.
3. What is meant by post-modernism? Which concept could be its opposite
within the framework of thinking about science?
Post-modernism is similar to modernism as it is also secular, meaning knowledge
without religion, but strongly believe that there is more than one truth, one type of
knowledge that we can receive, unlike the belief of scientists. Post-modernism
questions science in its claim of “its laws providing us with certainty,” while they
are just another type of faith, like religion. As a result, within the framework of
thinking about science, scientism could be seen as its opposite.
4. What is meant by scepticism? And what is meant by ‘anything goes’?
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