SCI267 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Phlogiston Theory, Chinese Astronomy, Double-Slit Experiment

• School: University of Waterloo
• Department: Science
• Course: SCI267
• Professor: Doreen Fraser

Document Summary

A theory is not bold if it cannot survive being falsified. Scientific theories can only be falsified, not confirmed. Proving why it is false as opposed to why it is right. Ad hoc tries to deny falsification by giving a vague explanation. If a theory is falsified, it cannot be used- start over. Ex: galileo tried to explain to aristotle that the moon is not perfectly spherical by showing them through his telescope, but aristotle said it was because moon is enveloped in an invisible substance. Some genuine sciences difficult to falsify but they remain a genuine science such as string theory- no way to test it. Non scientific theories can be falsified but it still remains pseudoscience ex: adlerian theories, homeopathy. Therefore, falsification not ideal way to demarcate science and pseudoscience. Wide range of hypothesis from critical attitude. Scientific activities are guided by paradigm: pre-paradigm.