Chapter 14

Question 1

What does Herman think science is?

Answer 1

-in a naturalistic and pragmatist philosophy of science (Bacon, Hume, Darwin, Peirce, Dewey, and Quine) one can formulate a reasonable and plausible answer to the question of what science is, namely:

-1.Evidently, we can handle the world better if we have empirically reliable knowledge of that world

-2. Science comprises any and every hypothesis and instrument that contributes empirically reliable knowledge of the world by using calibrated research methods in specific domains of phenomena, heuristically informed by coherence and integration;

-3. Science reports with the highest degree of certainty that we are specimens of a naturally evolved species of homo sapiens

4. This means that we are as a natural species programmed to behave and think in particular ways under particular circumstances;

-5. It also suggests that, given the right circumstances, we are as social individuals programmed to learn

-6. Science is our most explicit and empirically most reliable way of getting to know the world and slowly correct our behaviour (in the light of our goals);

-7. What we learn about the world can promote a more sustainable relation with that world and the organisms it encompasses; it helps us align what we value with what we learn is valuable

Question 2

What does exploring humans entail?

Answer 2

-We are all exploring humans who sought to evade doubt and to gain knowledge about the world, and science seems to be the tool used to help us in that way. Hence, in order for one to fully understand science, one must understand the nature of human beings