5 Flashcards
(9 cards)
What does Woolgar argue about scientific facts?
Woolgar argues that there are no objective scientific facts; facts are based in interpretation.
For example, when scientists discovered pulsars, they initially annotated the diagrams with patterns shown as LGMs, Little Green Men. However, they recognized that these patterns represent signals from the start. More than a decade later, there was still disagreement about the meaning of the signals.
What is Horton’s view on religion and knowledge claims?
Horton argues that religion makes knowledge claims that can’t be overturned.
For instance, when fundamental beliefs are challenged, get out clauses are used to reinforce the belief system. An example is when someone argues that a God wouldn’t allow harm; a get out clause could be that these are tests of faith.
How does Evans-Pritchard illustrate religion as a closed system?
Evans-Pritchard uses witchcraft among the Azande as an example, where negative experiences are explained in terms of witchcraft.
The injured party accuses the suspected witch, and the prince’s magic poison oracle resolves the issue using a potion called benge.
What is the process of the benge oracle among the Azande?
The benge oracle involves giving a potion to a chicken; if it dies, it confirms that the accused witch is responsible.
This belief resolves the issue as it’s believed that the witch is unintentionally harming others.
What does Evans-Pritchard say about the resistance of the Azande belief system?
Evans-Pritchard highlights that the belief system surrounding benge and witchcraft is resistant to challenges and can’t be overturned.
For example, if non-believers argue that the benge killed the chicken without addressing the potion first, the Azande would claim that the benge wasn’t good.
What does Polyani say about closed belief systems?
Polyani states that closed belief systems have devices to sustain themselves when contradictory evidence is provided.
One device is the denial of legitimacy to rivals, such as rejecting alternative worldviews. If the oracle fails, the Azande would argue that the benge wasn’t used correctly.
What is meant by the term ‘ideology’?
Ideology refers to a worldview or set of ideas and values that justify the interests of a particular group.
It can be distorted, false, and biased, misleading people about the reality of their position, leading to false class consciousness.
What does Marxism say about society’s division?
Marxism posits that society is divided between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
What is necessary for a revolution to occur according to Marxism?
It is necessary for the proletariat to realize why they are poor for a revolution to occur.
