Philosophy 2700F/G Study Guide - Quiz Guide: Counterargument, Canadian English
26 Oct 2018
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17th century science based on facts of observation, rather than based on authority (e. g. the bible) Scientific knowledge is derived from facts arrived at by observation shared view empiricists and positivists. Claims: facts are directly given to careful, unprejudiced observers via the senses, facts are prior to and independent of theory, facts constitute a firm and reliable foundation for scientific knowledge. Counterargument: observers see the same thing but interpret what they see differently. But our perceptual experiences are determined by more than just the images we see knowledge and expectations. Before an observer can formulate and assent to an observation statement, he must be in possession of the appropriate conceptual framework and knowledge of to apply it. It is a mistake to presume (b) because facts presuppose pre-knowledge, so it cannot be the cae that we first establish the facts and then derive knowledge from them.
