Question 1

Newton's derivation of the laws of planetary and terrestrial motion from a single set of axioms was a n):

Accepted Answer

A)  demonstration of the power of Bacon's methods. 
B)  important success of empirical science. 
C)  important success of the rationalist approach to science. 
D)  refutation of Kepler's work. 
E)  refutation of Galileo's work.

Question 2

If Kuhn is correct, then:

Accepted Answer

A)  what counts as a fact is socially determined. 
B)  only theory neutral observations are scientifically valid. 
C)  science will end when we all accept the same paradigm. 
D)  experiments are irrelevant to science. 
E)  None of the above

Question 3

According to Kuhn, a scientific revolution:

Accepted Answer

A)  occurs when the old paradigm is proved false. 
B)  occurs when the new paradigm is proved true. 
C)  is something that ought to occur, but never does in actual scientific practice. 
D)  is when a new paradigm builds upon and extends an old one. 
E)  None of the above

Question 4

Kuhn shows us that there's no such thing as "normal science."

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 5

Which of the following would Kuhn say was a paradigm?

Accepted Answer

A)  Hypnosis 
B)  Isaac Newton 
C)  Newtonian physics 
D)  Abstract art 
E)  Astrology

Question 6

Kuhn says nothing about how science ought to be conducted.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 7

A scientist's performance can best be judged by the results of his or her research.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 8

If you were a scientist planning a research project, Kuhn's theory would tell you that you should:

Accepted Answer

A)  hire only young scientists. 
B)  be sure all your researchers share the same paradigm. 
C)  move as quickly as possible from one paradigm to the next. 
D)  avoid anomalies. 
E)  Kuhn says nothing about what we "should" do.

Question 9

According to Bacon, the proper objects of scientific investigation are "forms."

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

According to Kuhn, the Copernican view replaced the Ptolemaic because:

Accepted Answer

A)  it explained current data better. 
B)  it made more correct predictions. 
C)  it turned out to be true. 
D)  the Ptolemaic system had socially unacceptable implications. 
E)  None of the above

Question 11

A theory-neutral observation would never need to be thrown out by later scientists.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 12

Kuhn says that paradigm change:

Accepted Answer

A)  is an irrational process. 
B)  consists of a struggle between two competing paradigms. 
C)  is determined by subjective factors. 
D)  occurs within a single paradigm. 
E)  None of the above

Question 13

According to a rationalist approach to science:

Accepted Answer

A)  observation is pointless. 
B)  observations must be theory neutral. 
C)  celestial and terrestrial objects are fundamentally different. 
D)  the collection of empirical data must be guided by theory. 
E)  science is not independent of social influences.

Question 14

An organon is a n)

Accepted Answer

A)  system of scientific investigation 
B)  kind of star chart. 
C)  early type of astronomical telescope. 
D)  religious publication. 
E)  musical composition.

Question 15

The process of paradigm change involves a struggle between two opposed paradigms.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

Richard Dawkins argues that evolution is a fact because:

Accepted Answer

A)  it is consistent with the Bible. 
B)  most people believe it. 
C)  it is the best inference from the evidence. 
D)  there is no way to disprove it. 
E)  there is no other explanation of what we observe.

Question 17

Bacon thought that the same methods used in mathematics would provide a foundation for scientific method.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 18

Bacon says a muster of instances must be made "in the manner of a history."

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 19

One implication of Ackerman's "lost children" example is that researchers should be given incentives to follow research strategies which have only a small chance of success.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 20

According to Kuhn, it is impossible to conduct research in the absence of a paradigm.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Exam 4: Philosophy of Science

Newton's derivation of the laws of planetary and terrestrial motion from a single set of axioms was a n) :

If Kuhn is correct, then:

According to Kuhn, a scientific revolution:

Kuhn shows us that there's no such thing as "normal science."

Which of the following would Kuhn say was a paradigm?

Kuhn says nothing about how science ought to be conducted.

A scientist's performance can best be judged by the results of his or her research.

If you were a scientist planning a research project, Kuhn's theory would tell you that you should:

According to Bacon, the proper objects of scientific investigation are "forms."

According to Kuhn, the Copernican view replaced the Ptolemaic because:

A theory-neutral observation would never need to be thrown out by later scientists.

Kuhn says that paradigm change:

According to a rationalist approach to science:

An organon is a n)

The process of paradigm change involves a struggle between two opposed paradigms.

Richard Dawkins argues that evolution is a fact because:

Bacon thought that the same methods used in mathematics would provide a foundation for scientific method.

Bacon says a muster of instances must be made "in the manner of a history."

One implication of Ackerman's "lost children" example is that researchers should be given incentives to follow research strategies which have only a small chance of success.

According to Kuhn, it is impossible to conduct research in the absence of a paradigm.