The Nature of Scientific Knowledge: Explore the Foundations of Science

Question 1

According to the empiricist perspective, what is a defining characteristic of scientific knowledge?

Accepted Answer

It is primarily based on observations and experiences.

Answer

It is derived solely from logical reasoning.

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It is absolute and unquestionable.

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It is subjective and unreliable.

Question 2

Which criticism is commonly leveled against Karl Popper's falsification theory of science?

Accepted Answer

It is too strict and discards genuine scientific theories.

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It is too lenient and accepts pseudoscientific claims as valid.

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It is based on a logical fallacy.

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It is irrelevant to the actual practice of scientific research.

Question 3

Which characteristic is NOT attributed to Thomas Kuhn's concept of a scientific paradigm?

Accepted Answer

It remains perpetually up-to-date with the latest evidence.

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It serves as a shared framework of beliefs and assumptions.

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It guides the research agenda of scientists.

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It is susceptible to change in light of new paradigms.

Question 4

What is the central argument proposed by scientific realists?

Accepted Answer

Scientific theories accurately depict the underlying reality of the world.

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Scientific theories are merely tools for making useful predictions.

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Scientific knowledge is inherently subjective and uncertain.

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Science is limited to studying the observable aspects of the world.

Question 5

What is a fundamental concept in the social constructivist approach to scientific knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Scientific knowledge is constructed through social interactions and negotiations.

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Scientific knowledge exists independently of social factors and is objectively true.

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Scientific knowledge is solely the product of individual brilliance.

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Scientific knowledge is based solely on pure reason.

Question 6

According to Imre Lakatos, what is a key component of a research programme?

Accepted Answer

A protective layer of auxiliary hypotheses

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An unyielding core of unfalsifiable assumptions

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A constant shift in research focus

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A firm basis in empirical observations and experiments

Question 7

How do feminist epistemologists view the role of values in scientific inquiry?

Accepted Answer

Values are inherent in all aspects of scientific activity and should be made explicit.

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Values are irrelevant to scientific knowledge and should be excluded.

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Values can only be introduced into scientific inquiry through scientists' personal experiences.

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Values are only relevant to social sciences, not natural sciences.

Question 8

In science, knowledge can be gained through various methods. Name two distinct approaches used to acquire scientific knowledge and briefly explain each.

Accepted Answer

Observation and experimentation

Accepted Answer

Deduction and induction

Answer

Imagination and creativity

Question 9

The statement 'Scientific knowledge is by nature subject to change' has a significant philosophical implication. Which of the following best describes this implication?

Accepted Answer

A. Scientific knowledge is tentative and requires ongoing refinement as new evidence emerges.

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B. Scientific knowledge is unreliable and should not be considered an accurate representation of reality.

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C. The changing nature of scientific knowledge makes it less important and relevant in society.

Question 10

Which characteristic is NOT attributed to scientific knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Subjective

Answer

Reliable

Answer

Objective

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Falsifiable

Question 11

According to Karl Popper's view, scientific theories are:

Accepted Answer

Falsifiable

Answer

Subjective

Answer

Absolute

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Verifiable

Question 12

The scientific method involves:

Accepted Answer

Hypothesis testing, data collection, and theory revision

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Memorizing scientific facts

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Accepting scientific theories without question

Question 13

Thomas Kuhn argued that scientific progress occurs through:

Accepted Answer

Paradigm shifts

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Random experimentation

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Incremental accumulation of knowledge

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Divine revelation

Question 14

Which of the following is a limitation of scientific knowledge?

Accepted Answer

It can be uncertain and subject to revision

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It is universally applicable to all situations

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It is always true and unchanging

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It is immune to bias and subjectivity

Question 15

The demarcation problem in the philosophy of science refers to:

Accepted Answer

Distinguishing between scientific and non-scientific claims

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Predicting the accuracy of scientific theories

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Evaluating the validity of scientific evidence

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Establishing the criteria for scientific theories

Question 16

Social constructivism in the philosophy of science emphasizes that knowledge is:

Accepted Answer

Socially constructed and shaped by cultural and historical factors

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Innate and universally known

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Objective and independent of human perception

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Absolute and unchanging

Question 17

Bayesian inference is a statistical method used to:

Accepted Answer

Update probabilities based on new evidence

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Test research hypotheses

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Design scientific experiments

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Develop scientific theories

Question 18

The reproducibility crisis in science refers to:

Accepted Answer

The difficulty in replicating scientific findings

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The potential for bias in scientific journals

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The prevalence of scientific fraud

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The lack of investment in scientific research

Question 19

Which action is NOT considered a responsibility of scientists?

Accepted Answer

Concealing research data

Answer

Maintaining objectivity and unbiasedness

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Conducting ethical research

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Communicating their findings effectively

Question 20

According to Karl Popper, what characteristic defines a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

Falsifiability

Answer

Verifiability

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Simplicity

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Comprehensiveness

Question 21

What inherent limitation affects scientific knowledge?

Accepted Answer

It remains subject to ongoing revision and refinement

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Its applicability extends only to the realm of natural phenomena

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It is based on absolute and immutable truths

Question 22

In scientific research, what is the function of observation?

Accepted Answer

It provides empirical evidence to support or refute hypotheses

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It definitively proves scientific claims

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It generates novel theories

Question 23

Which of the following best exemplifies a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

The law of universal gravitation

Answer

The big bang cosmology

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The germ theory of disease

Answer

The theory of evolution by natural selection

Question 24

How can you distinguish a hypothesis from a theory?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis proposes a tentative explanation, while a theory represents a well-established and broadly accepted explanation

Answer

Hypotheses are inherently more specific than theories

Question 25

Which attribute is fundamental to scientific knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity and reliance on empirical evidence

Answer

Absolute and unchanging nature

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Foundation in solely personal experiences

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Unaffected by social or cultural influences

Question 26

How does inference contribute to scientific research?

Accepted Answer

Inference enables scientists to derive conclusions from empirical data

Answer

Inference provides absolute certainty in scientific conclusions

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Inference generates novel hypotheses

Question 27

What criticism is leveled against the inductive approach in scientific inquiry?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning cannot guarantee the absolute truth of scientific conclusions

Answer

Inductive reasoning is only applicable in the social sciences

Answer

Inductive reasoning relies too heavily on subjective observations

Question 28

What is the significance of the scientific method in advancing scientific knowledge?

Accepted Answer

It provides a systematic framework for collecting and analyzing evidence

Answer

It ensures the absolute validity of scientific claims

Answer

It represents the only legitimate approach to scientific research