Natural Sciences Outline
Chapter 8: The Natural Sciences * Areas of Knowledge
I. Introduction a. A period of progress: Initiated by the Scientific Revolution of the 17th Century b. Dominant cognitive paradigm- model of knowledge i. Success of sciences makes it seen as the most important form of knowledge ii. Many attempts made to establish other areas on a more scientific foundation that would mimic the rigor and apparent certainty of subjects iii. Coherence Theory; some argue science as the only road to knowledge c. Weaknesses and Limitations iv. “Science has proved that “ something or other is the case- 1. Coherence Theory a. History/Science changes over time Certainty? b. No monopoly of Truth; other ways can be equally valid 2. Dangers said by critics c. Scientists may be involved with things they may not fully understandAlarming predictions such as nuclear war d. Focus: Nature and Status of knowledge v. Distinguishing science vs. non-science vi. Questioning science and values II. Science and Pseudo- Science e. Science’ as a stamp of approval of guarantee of quality vii. Can be use to advertise and deceive people f. ‘Scientific’ proponents viii. Acupuncture ix. Astrology x. Creationism xi. Crystology xii. Graphology xiii. Homeopathy xiv. Phrenology 3. Importance of being aware: being open-minded and find out more about whether there is truth in them d. Pragmatic Theory e. Coherence Theory g. Some people willing to subject their beliefs to proper tests while others are not xv. State beliefs are scientific because someone says so (Pragmatic Theory and role of language) 4. pseudo science- fake science xvi. Something that is not science
I. Introduction a. A period of progress: Initiated by the Scientific Revolution of the 17th Century b. Dominant cognitive paradigm- model of knowledge i. Success of sciences makes it seen as the most important form of knowledge ii. Many attempts made to establish other areas on a more scientific foundation that would mimic the rigor and apparent certainty of subjects iii. Coherence Theory; some argue science as the only road to knowledge c. Weaknesses and Limitations iv. “Science has proved that “ something or other is the case- 1. Coherence Theory a. History/Science changes over time Certainty? b. No monopoly of Truth; other ways can be equally valid 2. Dangers said by critics c. Scientists may be involved with things they may not fully understandAlarming predictions such as nuclear war d. Focus: Nature and Status of knowledge v. Distinguishing science vs. non-science vi. Questioning science and values II. Science and Pseudo- Science e. Science’ as a stamp of approval of guarantee of quality vii. Can be use to advertise and deceive people f. ‘Scientific’ proponents viii. Acupuncture ix. Astrology x. Creationism xi. Crystology xii. Graphology xiii. Homeopathy xiv. Phrenology 3. Importance of being aware: being open-minded and find out more about whether there is truth in them d. Pragmatic Theory e. Coherence Theory g. Some people willing to subject their beliefs to proper tests while others are not xv. State beliefs are scientific because someone says so (Pragmatic Theory and role of language) 4. pseudo science- fake science xvi. Something that is not science