Back to Home Philosophy of Science: Realism, and Empiricism
A comprehensive course exploring the foundations, epistemological approaches, debates on scientific realism, and ethical as well as social considerations in scientific inquiry.
overview
of Philosophy of Science: Realism, and Empiricism
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An overview of the field examining the nature and methods of scientific inquiry.
Sets the stage for understanding how science is conceptualized and evaluated.
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Details the systematic approach to scientific investigation through observation and experimentation.
Emphasizes hypothesis formulation, testing, and evidence-based conclusions.
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Explores the challenge of distinguishing between science and non-science.
Discusses the criteria and debates surrounding what constitutes genuine scientific practice.
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Focuses on the theory that knowledge is primarily derived from sensory experience.
Highlights the role of observation and experimentation in forming scientific understanding.
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Explores the view that reason and logic are fundamental to knowledge acquisition.
Contrasts with empiricism by emphasizing deduction and innate ideas.
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Discusses Popper's approach advocating for critical scrutiny and the importance of falsification.
Stresses that scientific theories should be rigorously tested and open to refutation.
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Covers the principle that scientific theories must be testable and capable of being proven false.
Serves as a key criterion for demarcating scientific claims from non-scientific ones.
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Explores the concept that evidence may be insufficient to conclusively favor one theory over others.
Discusses the challenges this poses for scientific theory choice and progress.
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Investigates how preexisting theories and beliefs influence what is observed in experiments.
Examines the impact of theoretical frameworks on data interpretation and perception.
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Explores the belief that scientific theories describe an objective reality independent of human perception.
Analyzes arguments supporting the existence of an external, mind-independent world.
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Examines the view that science aims for empirical adequacy rather than literal truth.
Contrasts with scientific realism by focusing on observable phenomena over unobservable entities.
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Covers the perspective that theories are merely useful tools for prediction rather than accurate descriptions.
Questions the necessity of believing in the literal truth of theoretical entities.
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Discusses skepticism regarding the existence of unobservable entities posited by scientific theories.
Presents counterarguments to the realist interpretation of scientific knowledge.
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Introduces the concept of revolutionary changes in scientific frameworks that redefine disciplines.
Explores how paradigm shifts alter the trajectory of scientific progress.
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Highlights the contributions of Thomas Kuhn in transforming our understanding of scientific progress.
Focuses on his theories of normal science and the nature of scientific revolutions.
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Examines the idea that competing paradigms are often incompatible and lack common measures.
Discusses the challenges this poses for comparing and evaluating different scientific theories.
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Details the transformative period that fundamentally redefined scientific inquiry.
Covers key historical shifts that led to modern scientific methods and thought.
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Explores the concept of routine scientific work conducted under an accepted paradigm.
Contrasts the steady progress of normal science with periods of revolutionary change.
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Investigates the ethical standards and guidelines that govern scientific research.
Emphasizes integrity, responsibility, and ethical conduct in the scientific process.
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Examines the challenges of replicating scientific studies and ensuring reliability.
Highlights the ethical implications and the need for transparency in research.
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Explores how social processes and community practices influence knowledge creation in science.
Discusses the ethical and societal dimensions of scientific collaboration and communication.
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Analyzes the ideal of impartiality in scientific inquiry and the challenges in achieving it.
Considers how personal biases and social values can affect the pursuit of objective knowledge.
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Provides insights into ethical theories and moral reasoning as they relate to science.
Examines how moral considerations inform the conduct and application of scientific research.
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Examines the interplay between scientific advancement and ethical responsibilities.
Explores how scientific progress raises critical questions about societal values and norms.
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Explores the evolution of scientific philosophy beyond traditional positivism.
Highlights critiques of strict empiricism and the evolving role of theory in scientific inquiry.
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Investigates how social, cultural, and political factors influence scientific research and knowledge.
Focuses on the interdependence between scientific communities and societal structures.
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Introduces an approach that emphasizes intellectual virtues in the acquisition of knowledge.
Examines the personal traits and practices that contribute to robust scientific inquiry.
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Discusses how biases and power imbalances can lead to unfair treatment in knowledge practices.
Explores the ethical implications of excluding marginalized perspectives in scientific discourse.
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Examines the criteria and structure that make an explanation scientifically valid.
Focuses on the role of explanation in advancing and understanding scientific theories.
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Covers the principle that scientific inquiry should rely solely on naturalistic explanations.
Discusses its significance in framing research and limiting supernatural interpretations.