Philosophy 160
Professor Stemwedel
Spring 2012
1.
Consider the claim, “All peaches are sweet.” According to Hempel,
is a claim like this testable? (If so, describe the testing procedure. If
not, explain why not.) What would he say about whether this claim could be
conclusively established?
Does Hempel’s picture of scientific testing make some kinds of hypotheses
harder to test than others? Explain.
(Due Tues., Feb. 14)
2.
Explain why Popper thinks the problem of induction isn’t a
problem for the scientific method.
Does Popper’s picture of scientific testing make some kinds of conclusions
harder to support than others? Explain.
(Due Tues., Feb. 28)
3. How does Longino think the peer review system could foster more objective
scientific knowledge? In what ways does she think the actual operation of
peer review undermines objectivity?
Do you agree with Longino’s view that objectivity is something that
an individual could not achieve without help? Explain why or why not.
(Due Tues., Apr. 10)
4. Grover Maxwell claims that an anti-realist will deny the existence of theoretical
entities. Explain van Fraassen’s objections to this claim.
Does van Fraassen’s “constructive empiricism” put any limits
on what kinds of things science can study? Explain.
(Due Thur., Apr. 26)
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