HPS100H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Empirical Evidence, Natural Selection, Fallibilism
30 Oct 2016
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History of science teaches us that our knowledge of science has changed. Mathematics start from definitions, does not need to be proven. Definitions deduce theorems (we define 2 as 1+1) Intuitive answer is based on experience- our observation and experiments. Our theory that all swans our white are based on our experience. Experiments: artificial setup: creating an artificial situation. Theory: law of gravity (if you have m1 and m2, there is always a force of attraction between two objects in the universe, force is greater when mass is greater) You must go out and observe for us to conclude that this law is true. Experience that proves this law; apple falling from tree. Cannot contradict the results of experiments or observations. Necessarily hold in all possible words: the opposite is inconceivable. Can contradict the results of experiments or observations. Do not necessarily hold in all possible worlds: the opposite is conceivable.
