Science and Belief Systems

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What is a key feature that distinguishes science from other belief systems?

its cognitive power

What is the principle that scientists use to test and refine their theories?

falsificationism

What is a characteristic of science as an 'open' belief system, according to Sir Karl Popper?

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

How has science impacted society, according to the text?

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

What is a consequence of the rise of science, according to secularisation theorists?

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

In what century did the process of rationalisation begin, according to some sociologists?

the 16th century, with the Protestant Reformation Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'theology' in the context of belief systems?

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

Explain the concept of 'consequences' in the context of belief systems.

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

Why might some religions reject the idea that their teachings are ideological?

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

What is a characteristic of a closed belief system?

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

How do religious institutions contribute to the expression of religious beliefs?

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

What is a key difference between science and religion as belief systems?

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

What is the phenomenon of stigmata, and how does it relate to Jesus Christ?

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. Signup and view all the answers

How do some Christian Sects, such as the Amish, approach secular entertainment?

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. Signup and view all the answers

What is the reasoning behind Jehovah's Witnesses' stance on blood consumption, transfusion, and donation?

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. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a closed belief system, and how does it respond to challenges?

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. Signup and view all the answers

How does the case of Dr. Velikovsky's 'Worlds of Collision' illustrate the concept of a closed belief system in science?

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. Signup and view all the answers

What does Polanyi argue about the nature of all belief systems, including science?

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

What is the primary reason why scientists have a duty to share their findings with the scientific community?

So that knowledge can grow Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the commitment to discovering knowledge for its own sake, without being driven by personal interests or biases?

Disinterestedness Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism prevents scientists from practising fraud, according to the text?

Having to publish their findings Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a closed belief system, as described in the text?

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

What is the consequence of a closed belief system, as described in the text?

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

What is the significance of the Pluto example in the text?

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

What is the main limitation of scientific inquiry according to Kuhn, and how does it impact the pursuit of knowledge?

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. Signup and view all the answers

How does Durkheim's definition of religion differ from traditional notions of religion?

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. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of closed belief systems, and how do they differ from open systems?

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. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways can seemingly secular interests, such as football or celebrity culture, take on a religious or sacred quality?

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

How does the concept of paradigms in science relate to the idea of a 'unified set of beliefs' in religion?

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

What is the significance of the social function of beliefs in Durkheim's definition of religion?

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