What makes something science?
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Flip to reveal answersThe demarcation problem?
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All 8 Flashcards — What makes something science?
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Question
The demarcation problem?
Answer
The puzzle of drawing the line between science and pseudo-science / non-science — Popper's 'central question'.
Question
Why don't quick tests draw the line?
Answer
'Uses evidence' and 'makes predictions' let astrology back in — pseudo-science does both.
Question
The best clue for telling science from pseudo-science?
Answer
Science risks being wrong and faces failed predictions; pseudo-science dodges every failure so it's never wrong.
Question
The 'dodging' tell-tale sign?
Answer
When a horoscope fails, there's always an excuse ('the stars incline, they don't compel') — the theory is never at risk.
Question
Scientific realism?
Answer
Science aims at the truth — atoms and genes are really out there, and good theories describe the hidden world correctly.
Question
Scientific anti-realism?
Answer
Science aims at useful predictions — a theory is good if it works; whether unseen things are 'really real' isn't the point.
Question
The pessimistic-induction worry (Go further)?
Answer
Many past theories that 'worked' were false about the hidden world — so maybe 'it works' is all science can ever claim.
Question
Why did Popper call demarcation the central question?
Answer
Because getting clear on what makes something science is the first thing you need before you can trust it.
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Full study notes for What makes something science?
Topic 6.1 hub
Nature and methodologies of science
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