Science and Belief Systems

its cognitive power

falsificationism

every scientist's theories are open to criticism and testing by others

<p>it has had an enormous impact, including eradicating many once-fatal diseases and transforming daily life through technological advances</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>it has undermined religion by changing the way we think and see the world</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>the 16th century, with the Protestant Reformation</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A set of teachings and beliefs, usually based on some holy book, such as the Bible or Torah.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A set of moral or ethical values that are meant to guide or influence the everyday behaviour of believers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They would argue that they preach the word of god – rather the word of powerful groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It is not open to new ideas or revision.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They provide a formal organisation of worshippers, led by priests or religious leaders, and buildings like churches, mosques, and temples.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Science is an open belief system, whereas religion can be a closed belief system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Stigmata are sensations of pain in locations corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ, such as the hands, wrists, and feet; they cannot be explained by medicine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Some Christian Sects, such as the Amish, do not approve of almost any type of secular entertainment, leading to a very isolated life cut off from modern society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Jehovah's Witnesses believe that God made it clear to humans to 'abstain from blood', and therefore they refuse to consume, transfuse, or donate blood, even if it means risking their lives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Jehovah's Witnesses' refusal to consume, transfuse, or donate blood is an example of a closed belief system, as they would rather risk their lives than challenge the rationality of their beliefs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Scientists rushed to boycott the publisher and reject Dr. Velikovsky's new theory before even reading the book, demonstrating that science can also be a closed belief system that rejects challenges to its knowledge claims.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Polanyi argues that all belief systems, including science, reject challenges to their knowledge claims.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>So that knowledge can grow</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Disinterestedness</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Having to publish their findings</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It does not accept challenges to its fundamental beliefs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It has devices that prevent the system from being disproved in the eyes of the believers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It demonstrates the concept of science as an open belief system, where knowledge claims can be overturned by new evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The main limitation is that science takes place within a paradigm, which influences the questions asked and interpretation of evidence, making science not entirely objective.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Durkheim's definition is broader, including beliefs that give sacred quality to things, and is not limited to supernatural beings, thus covering a wide range of beliefs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Closed belief systems are resistant to change and do not allow for external challenges, whereas open systems, like science, are open to revision and refinement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>These interests can bring people together, create a sense of community, and provide a sense of meaning, similar to traditional religions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Both paradigms and unified sets of beliefs shape our understanding of the world and influence our actions, although science is more open to revision.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The social function emphasizes how beliefs contribute to social integration, binding societies or groups together through shared values.</p> Signup and view all the answers