PASEPA - Chapter 1. Philosophy of science

58 flashcards · Philosophy · by Kristóf Nagy

1. Epistemology

   The branch of philosophy that studies the nature, origins, and limits of knowledge

2. David Hume (1711-1776)

   Scottish philosopher who wrote extensively on causality and morality. Also created the a poster/pr-iori reasoning

3. Logical Positivism

   A philosophical movement that sought to ground knowledge in empirical observation and formal logic

4. Vienna Circle (1920s-1930s)

   A group of philosophers who promoted logical positivism

5. Logical Empiricism

   A variation of logical positivism that combined empiricism with logical analysis

6. Falsification

   The act of proving a theory or hypothesis false

7. Corroboration

   Strengthening a theory or hypothesis with additional evidence

8. Standard View of Science

   The traditional view of science as a neutral and objective search for truth

9. Empirical Cycle

   A circular process involving observation, hypothesis creation, testing, and evaluation

10. Empirical Laws

    Generalizations about observable phenomena

11. Theory

    A framework that explains a wide range of phenomena

12. Hypotheses

    Specific predictions derived from a theory

13. Theory-Laden Observation

    The idea that observations are influenced by pre-existing theories and assumptions

14. Normative Approach

    A methodology that prescribes actions or behaviors

15. Descriptive Analysis

    A methodology that describes phenomena without making judgments

16. Paradigm

    A widely accepted framework or theory that guides scientific inquiry

17. Normal Science

    Science conducted within a dominant paradigm

18. Crisis

    A situation in which a paradigm fails to explain anomalous observations

19. Non-Rational Elements

    Beliefs, emotions, or values that are not based on reason or evidence

20. Scientific Revolution

    A rapid shift in scientific paradigms

21. Mode 1 Science

    Traditional science that operates within disciplinary boundaries

22. Science & Technology Studies (STS)

    An interdisciplinary field that studies the social aspects of science and technology

23. Empirically Underdetermined

    The condition of having multiple theories that are consistent with available evidence

24. Constructivism

    The belief that knowledge is constructed through social interactions and conventions

25. Interpretative Flexibility

    The degree to which multiple interpretations of data are possible

26. Relativism

    The belief that knowledge and truth are dependent upon individual perspectives

27. Mertonian Norms

    Four norms of scientific conduct proposed by Robert K. Merton: communism, universalism, disinterestedness, organized skepticism

28. Communism

    The norm that scientific knowledge is publicly owned and accessible

29. Universalism

    The norm that scientific evaluations should be based on merit alone

30. Disinterestedness

    The norm that scientists should avoid conflicts of interest

31. Organized Skepticism

    The norm that scientists should subject claims to rigorous examination

32. Descriptive

    Describing phenomena without making judgments

33. Normative

    Prescribing actions or behaviors

34. Metascience

    The study of scientific practices and methods

35. Open Science

    A movement promoting transparency, accessibility, and collaboration in scientific research

36. Replication Research

    Attempting to recreate previous scientific findings

37. Contextualized Science

    Science that recognizes the social and cultural context of scientific inquiry.

38. Linear Model

    The traditional view of scientific progress as a linear sequence of steps

39. Refutation

    Demonstrating that a theory or hypothesis is false

40. Mode 2 Science

    Interdisciplinary science that engages with practical problems and stakeholders

41. Confirmation

    Providing evidence that supports a theory or hypothesis

42. Question

    A sentence or phrase that requests information or clarification

43. Hypothesis

    A proposed explanation or prediction for a phenomenon or observation

44. Experiment

    A planned procedure carried out to test a hypothesis or answer a question

45. Analyzing

    Examining closely and breaking down information or data into smaller components

46. Conclusion

    A decision or judgment reached based on evidence or information

47. Inductive Reasoning

    A form of reasoning that infers general principles from specific observations

48. Deductive Reasoning

    A form of reasoning that moves from general principles to specific conclusions

49. Inference

    Deriving a conclusion from evidence or premises

50. Rationalism

    A philosophical stance holding that knowledge is derived primarily from reason

51. Empiricism

    A philosophical stance holding that knowledge is derived primarily from experience

52. John Locke (1632-1704)

    English philosopher who championed empiricism and the tabula rasa

53. Tabula Rasa

    The idea that individuals are born without innate knowledge or ideas

54. A Prior Reasoning

    Reasoning based on pre-existing knowledge or assumptions, independent of experience

55. A Posteriori Reasoning

    Reasoning based on empirical evidence or experience

56. Rationalist Thinking

    Thought processes driven by logic and reason

57. Induction

    Making broad generalizations based on specific observations

58. Problem of Induction

    The difficulty of inferring general laws from finite sets of observations