Philosophy of Science Concepts Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the main distinction between induction and deduction in reasoning?

Induction draws conclusions from general principles, while deduction draws specific instances from principles.

Induction applies to mathematical proofs, while deduction is used for scientific hypotheses.

Induction is based on probability, whereas deduction provides certainty. (correct)

Induction is always valid, whereas deduction can sometimes lead to incorrect conclusions.

Which statement best describes Thomas Kuhn's concept of a 'paradigm shift'?

A transition that occurs only in natural sciences but not in social sciences.

A method of testing scientific theories that remains unchanged over time.

A sudden change in scientific consensus resulting from the resolution of anomalies. (correct)

A gradual change in scientific understanding that occurs without major disruptions.

According to Kuhn, what characterizes a period of 'normal science'?

A phase where only speculative theories are proposed with no practical applications.

A period devoid of any significant scientific progress or achievements.

An era marked by constant revolutions and shifts in scientific thought.

A time when the scientific community adheres to a largely accepted paradigm. (correct)

What fundamental view did Lakatos advocate regarding the advancement of science?

Science progresses through competing research programs generating novel predictions. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when Kuhn states that competing paradigms are often incommensurable?

They provide irreconcilable explanations of reality, making direct comparison difficult. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher of science is known for the concept of epistemological anarchism?

Paul Feyerabend Signup and view all the answers

What example illustrates the concept of induction?

A scientist concluding that all metals expand when heated after observing some. Signup and view all the answers

What significant aspect does Lakatos's work bridge in relation to other philosophers?

Rationalism and historicism. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three forms of psychology identified in the content?

Academic, Professional, and Popular Signup and view all the answers

What was a major focus of Feyerabend's work 'Against Method'?

The importance of diversity in scientific processes. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher proposed the idea of falsificationism?

Karl Popper Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects Lakatos's perspective on scientific progress?

It should be judged on its ability to produce innovative predictions. Signup and view all the answers

What does epistemology primarily study?

Theories of knowledge and belief Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'public psychology'?

The general public's interest and beliefs about psychology Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'paradigm shift' in epistemology refer to?

A fundamental change in scientific understanding Signup and view all the answers

Who authored 'Against Method', a critique of scientific methods?

Paul Feyerabend Signup and view all the answers

Which position in epistemology emphasizes the growth of knowledge through criticism?

Epistemological Anarchism Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about academic psychology is true?

It is integrated into schools, colleges, and research institutes. Signup and view all the answers

What stage follows the emergence of anomalies in Kuhn's model of scientific revolutions?

Crisis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of a common paradigm in normal science?

It allows scientists to predict outcomes and validate theories. Signup and view all the answers

Who is known for developing the methodology of scientific research programs?

Imre Lakatos Signup and view all the answers

In Kuhn's model, what typically happens during a scientific revolution?

A new paradigm is established that better accommodates disrupted understandings. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the pre-science stage according to Kuhn?

There are no existing paradigms to depend on. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher sought to reconcile Karl Popper's ideas with those of Thomas Kuhn?

Imre Lakatos Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Kuhn's scientific model, what often occurs during the crisis phase?

Alternative concepts begin to be considered as viable options. Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of auxiliary assumptions in Kuhn's model?

They are used to blame the apparatus for anomalies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary criterion that Popper advocated for distinguishing empirical sciences?

Empirical falsification of theories Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Dyson-Eddington-Davidson test, what did the nineteenth-century wave theory of light propose?

Light has no mass and is unaffected by gravity Signup and view all the answers

What significant realization did Einstein come to after developing General Relativity?

Gravity alters the geometry of spacetime Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects Popper's views on scientific theories?

Theories must be subjected to decisive experiments Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Eddington and Dyson experiment regarding Einstein's light deflection prediction?

It indicated a deflection of 1.75 arcseconds, aligning with Einstein's theory Signup and view all the answers

What is Feyerabend commonly referred to as?

The anarchist Signup and view all the answers

How did Eddington and Dyson attribute credit during their experiment?

They credited Newton for the half-deflection prediction Signup and view all the answers

What does Feyerabend advocate for in scientific discovery?

Pluralism and creativity Signup and view all the answers

What does the prescriptive nature of Popper's views imply?

It outlines how scientific inquiry should be conducted Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a negative example used in Popper's thesis?

Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Kuhn's view on scientific progress?

The concept of 'normal science' and paradigm shifts Signup and view all the answers

Which scientist's work is noted for replacing classical physics according to the content?

Einstein's Signup and view all the answers

Which is seen as an example of a degenerative research program in the context of Popper's ideas?

The Ptolemaic system Signup and view all the answers

What perspective best characterizes Lakatos's approach to scientific theories?

The ability of theories to generate novel predictions Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT a core concern in the philosophy of science discussed in the content?

The quest for a single scientific method Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

History of Psychology Session 12: What Kind of Science is Psychology?

Psychology exists in three forms: academic (scientific), professional, and popular
Academic psychology is found in schools, colleges, universities and research institutions
Professional psychology applies scientific knowledge to real-world problems
Popular psychology includes public's beliefs about behavior and mental states

Learning Objectives

Distinguish different forms of psychology
Understand positions in epistemology (e.g., falsificationism, paradigm shifts, research programs, epistemological anarchism)
Discuss the nature of psychology as a science
Review course material for evaluation

Epistemology and History of Science

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy concerned with the theory of knowledge
Key figures and their works in the history of scientific discovery include:
Karl Popper (Logic of Scientific Discovery, 1934/1959)
Thomas Kuhn (Structure of Scientific Revolutions, 1962)
Imre Lakatos (Criticism and the Growth of Knowledge, 1970)
Paul Feyerabend (Against Method, 1975)
Popper's work highlighted falsification as a key method of science, emphasizing that theories can never be definitively proven, only potentially falsified by evidence
Kuhn argued that scientific progress occurs through paradigm shifts, where new paradigms replace old ones when existing paradigms fail to explain anomalies
Lakatos' methodology suggested that science progresses through research programs, emphasizing the ability to generate novel predictions.
Feyerabend advocated epistemological anarchism, rejecting universal scientific methodologies

Different Forms of Psychology

Psychology developed as a distinct discipline with academic study, professional applications and public perceptions.
Academic psychology is rooted in and dependent upon scientific method, professional psychology is a subset and an application of academic psychological principles, while popular psychology is an interpretation of and response to the everyday mental states and behaviours of people..

Exam Information

The exam will be multiple-choice with 30 questions.
18 A-type and 12 K-type questions will be included.

Exam Locations

Specific locations (Kollegienhaus, Hörsaal 001, Bernoullianum, Grösser Hörsaal 148) and times are listed by letter and/or class group.

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Description

Test your understanding of key philosophical concepts in science, including induction, deduction, paradigm shifts, and the works of influential philosophers like Kuhn, Lakatos, and Feyerabend. This quiz covers essential theories and definitions that shape the philosophy of science.