Science and Objectivity
Philosophy of Science
In general, the connections between science and philosophy
are:
1. Applying general philosophy to science.
2. Clarifying specific conceptual problems within a scientific
discipline with philosophical tools.
Science itself can be discussed in two ways:
1. Descriptive study, e.g., history of science, sociology of
science etc. Asks questions such as ‘what has happened?’
‘How has it happened?’ ‘How has theory T evolved in
time?’
2. Normative study: philosophy of science. Asks questions
such as ‘what is a good theory?’ ‘How can a certain idea
be justified?’ ‘How does a proper scientific explanation
work?’
Modern Scientific Method
This is a product of the scientific revolution. We attain
knowledge by means of experiments and observation, not just
by thinking. There are no indubitable first principles. Ideals,
theories, hypothesis are provisional and fallible. It is an
empirical cycle that formulates patterns and laws.
Normative Theory #1: Empiricism
The principle of this theory is that knowledge is based on
observation and experiment. This is an inductive method with
inductive reasoning.
Induction and Deduction
Deductive reasoning, or deduction, is making an inference
based on widely accepted facts or premises. ... Inductive
reasoning, or induction, is making an inference based on an
observation, often of a sample.
Deduction example:
i. Socrates is a human.
ii. All humans are mortal.
iii. Socrates is mortal.
Philosophy of Science
In general, the connections between science and philosophy
are:
1. Applying general philosophy to science.
2. Clarifying specific conceptual problems within a scientific
discipline with philosophical tools.
Science itself can be discussed in two ways:
1. Descriptive study, e.g., history of science, sociology of
science etc. Asks questions such as ‘what has happened?’
‘How has it happened?’ ‘How has theory T evolved in
time?’
2. Normative study: philosophy of science. Asks questions
such as ‘what is a good theory?’ ‘How can a certain idea
be justified?’ ‘How does a proper scientific explanation
work?’
Modern Scientific Method
This is a product of the scientific revolution. We attain
knowledge by means of experiments and observation, not just
by thinking. There are no indubitable first principles. Ideals,
theories, hypothesis are provisional and fallible. It is an
empirical cycle that formulates patterns and laws.
Normative Theory #1: Empiricism
The principle of this theory is that knowledge is based on
observation and experiment. This is an inductive method with
inductive reasoning.
Induction and Deduction
Deductive reasoning, or deduction, is making an inference
based on widely accepted facts or premises. ... Inductive
reasoning, or induction, is making an inference based on an
observation, often of a sample.
Deduction example:
i. Socrates is a human.
ii. All humans are mortal.
iii. Socrates is mortal.
