Science: social construct& issues defining religion

Cards (23)

    • Philosophers like Karl Popper argue science is an open belief system.
    • Others like Thomas Khun argue it is a closed belief system
    • Sociologists like Latour and Woolgar have questioned the objectivity of science
    • Postmodernists like JF Lyotard argued that all forms of knowledge (science and religion) are social constructions
  • There is no universal definition of science but a series of characteristics preferable to those looking to study the world in a scientific way.
  • Both science and religion are contested concepts.
  • Popper states science is an open belief system as it is directly observable and objective.
    It can be tested and falsified based on empirical evidence as opposed to faith.
    All scientific knowledge is up for scrutiny by researchers in a specific field, making it capable of change.
    • Thomas Khun argued science is based on dominant paradigms (bodies of knowledge)
    • Constant challenge (in the form of new scientific knowledge) to existing paradigms causes paradigm shifts
    • However, this is a delayed process
  • Why are paradigm shifts a delayed process?
    New knowledge is rejected if it contrasts with existing knowledge and the existing paradigm continues until a new paradigm is strong enough to challenge these ideas.
  • Why does Khun argue science isn't objective?
    The decision to accept or reject new ideas depends on the individuals in the field.
    New ideas are more likely to be rejected if it challenges dominant paradigms.
  • Science is argued to not be objective, but influenced by external factors, for instance.
    1. Constraints of funding bodies set on scientific research.
    2. Businesses investing in research may look for certain outcomes.
    e.g. fossil fuel companies may fund research which aligns with their agenda but reject research that conflicts with their interests.
  • What is the key feature of natural and social science according to Popper?
    The principle of falsification
  • How does Popper describe scientific knowledge?
    It is restless, cumulative, and ever-changing
  • What commitment do scientists have according to Popper?
    To constantly challenge their ideas and falsify their theories
  • What historical example does Popper use to illustrate his principle of falsification?
    The insufficiency of the Newtonian view of the physical world
  • Who conducted work on relativity that challenged the Newtonian view?
    Einstein
  • Who conducted work on subatomic particles that challenged the Newtonian view?
    Heisenberg
  • What does Popper suggest should be done with historicism and ideologies like Nazism and Communism?
    They should always be subject to criticism
  • What does Popper believe is necessary for the conditions of liberty?
    Freedom of speech
  • How does Kuhn's view of scientific knowledge differ from Popper's?
    Kuhn argues that scientific knowledge develops through paradigm shifts rather than steady falsification
  • What term does Kuhn use to describe the sudden changes in scientific knowledge?
    Paradigm shifts
  • According to Kuhn, what happens to scientific knowledge when evidence against a dominant paradigm is overwhelming?
    It causes a scientific revolution
  • How does Kuhn describe the different scientific paradigms throughout history?
    As more like 'closed belief systems' than 'open belief systems'
  • Why does Kuhn consider scientific paradigms to be ideological?
    Because they are typically defended by the dominant scientific community
  • What does Kuhn acknowledge about scientific paradigms despite their ideological nature?
    They always remained open and changed throughout history
  • What conclusion does the text suggest about Popper's and Kuhn's views?
    Popper was right in the sense that paradigms change throughout history