LECTURE 7 Flashcards
(31 cards)
Demarcation Criterion by Thomas Kuhn
Kuhn proposes the concept of a “paradigm” as a demarcation criterion between science and non-science. A paradigm is a framework of theories, methods, and standards that defines scientific practice in a given period.
Relativism
Relativism is the idea that points of view have no absolute truth or validity, having only relative, subjective value according to differences in perception and consideration.
Key Difference Between Early and Later Wittgenstein:
Early Wittgenstein (as in the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus) believed that language’s purpose is to picture facts about the world. Later Wittgenstein (as in Philosophical Investigations) argued that the meaning of words is rooted in their public use within particular forms of life.
Language game
A language game, according to Wittgenstein, is a practice that involves language and is embedded in forms of life. It reflects the varied activities and contexts in which language is used.
Consequences of Language Game Concept for Society Analysis:
This concept implies that societal norms, meanings, and knowledge are context-dependent and arise from various intertwined language games. Analyzing society requires understanding these diverse linguistic contexts.
Underlying Assumptions in the Idea of a Language Game + Function Language Rules
Language use is inherently social and rule-governed, meanings are context-specific, and understanding language requires looking at its practical use in different activities.
Language rules structure communication, providing consistency and predictability in language use, enabling mutual understanding.
They should be public and shared within a community, guiding how words are used meaningfully within different language games.
Implications for Private Language:
Wittgenstein argues against the possibility of a private language, as language’s meaning arises from public, social interactions.
Position of science in this approach
Science is seen as one of many language games with its own rules, practices, and paradigms that define what is considered valid scientific knowledge.
“every observation is loaded with theory”
This means that observations are influenced by the theoretical frameworks and assumptions held by the observer, suggesting that pure, theory-independent observation is impossible.
Constructivism and its origins
Constructivism is the view that scientific knowledge is constructed by scientists and not merely discovered from the world. This idea emerged from the work of thinkers like Kuhn and the later Wittgenstein, who emphasized the role of social processes and language in shaping knowledge.
Scientific relativism
Scientific relativism is the view that scientific truths are not absolute but depend on the cultural, historical, and social context in which science is practiced.
Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis:
This hypothesis posits that the structure of a language affects its speakers’ cognition and world view, suggesting a strong link between language, thought, and cultural practices.
Aristotle Experience’ for Kuhn:
Kuhn describes his experience of reading Aristotle’s works and realizing that Aristotle’s physics, while seemingly nonsensical to modern readers, made sense within its own paradigm. This was a pivotal moment in Kuhn’s development of the idea of paradigms.
Fundamental Difference Between Kuhn and Kant:
Kant believed in a universal structure of human cognition that shapes our experience of the world, while Kuhn argued that the structure of scientific knowledge is shaped by paradigms, which are historically and culturally specific.
4 Phases scientific discipline
Pre-scientific period
Normal science
Crisis
Scientific revolution and paradigm shift
Pre-scientific Period:
A time when there is no consensus on theories or methods, leading to diverse and often competing approaches.
Phase of Normal Science:
A period in which a consensus on the paradigm guides research, focusing on puzzle-solving within the established framework.
Two Characteristics of Paradigms
They provide the foundation for further research within the normal science phase.
They guide what is studied, how research is conducted, and how results are interpreted.
Anomaly in Kuhns Ideas
An anomaly is an observation or problem that cannot be explained or solved within the current paradigm, leading to a potential crisis and paradigm shift.
Dogmatic Framework and Its Role in Teaching Paradigms:
A dogmatic framework refers to the established paradigm that students are taught as the unquestioned foundation of their discipline. It is crucial for maintaining normal science
Phases of scientific revolution
Normal science
Emergence of anomalies
Crisis
Revolution and paradigm shift
Incommensurability of Paradigms
The idea that competing paradigms are incommensurable, meaning they cannot be directly compared or fully understood within each other’s terms. It has three aspects: methodological, observational, and conceptual.
Kuhn as a Constructivist
Kuhn can be called a constructivist because he believed scientific knowledge is constructed within paradigms through social processes and practices.
Gestalt Switch
A Gestalt switch refers to a sudden change in perception or understanding, analogous to a paradigm shift where scientists start to see the world differently.
Paradigm Shift as Irrational Development
Kuhn argues that paradigm shifts are not entirely rational because they involve a fundamental change in worldview that is not based solely on logic or empirical evidence.
Kuhn on ComScience
Kuhn might describe communication science as a science if it has a well-established paradigm guiding its research practices.
