Scientific Thinking course - Dr. Gregg Deyoung (what i have learned in each class.)
class 6 : logical fallacies
fallacies
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Slippery slope fallacy: one thing will lead to anotherAd hominem argument: distract from subject ex. direct attack on a person.part to whole fallacy: If a is something then all a are the same. ex. terrorismPost hoc ergo propter: this happened after this so this was the reason for thisRed herring: changing subjectsHasty generalization: 2 is a number, 1 is a number so 2=1non sequitur: doesn't follow at allcircular reasoning
Scientific idea + Expectations + Observation = scientific argument
Gathering data
hypothesis
Expected result
Actual results
Interpreting data (data could)
support hypothesis
oppose hypothesis
inspire revised new hypoyhesis
inspire new assumptions
Class 4: Experimentation in science
Experimental variables
cause(independent variable)
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Independent variable: change is directly under the control of the experimentor.
effect/outcome(dependent variable)
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Dependent variable: observation we hope to create( prediction we made)
other variables( controlled variable)
Class 3: causality in science
Causality
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A causes b / Domini effect
necessary cause
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oxygen is needed to cause fire
sufficient cause
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Ex. match sticks are needed to cause fire.
necessary and sufficient cause
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Ex.Some rare diseases are caused due genetic factors so people with the disease must suffer consequences. ex death
correlation
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Correlation sometimes doesn't imply causation.
cause effect pattern
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above
Class 2: process of science
Scientific method
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Scientific methodQuestionResearch and define rulesCreate a hypothesisExperimentAnalyze outcomeForm conclusion
Scientific behaviour
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Scientific behaviourObserveStudy related things or phenomenonsShrive for precise measurementsDesign experimentsTest/modify/refine hypothesisFormulate physical laws and theoriesEstablish laws and theories
Observation
Emperical
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Emerical observations: made directly with human senses.
Inferences
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Inferences are conclusions drawn from emperical the emperical observations.
Qualitative
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Qualitative observation: describe's an object's characteristicsex. red/tall
Quantitative
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Quantitative observation: involves quantity or amount ex. 125 g
class 7: science in media
important to analyze media interms of
source
agenda
use of emotion
testimonials
expertise
claims of conspiracy
real scientific processes involvement
claims of exclusivity
Skeptisicism
unskeptical scientists
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Use circular reasoningUse arguments from ignoranceUse ad hominem attacksAdjust data to theoryWon't debate
skeptical scientists
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hold observations above theorydoesn't break rules of logic and theoryanswers questionsgives out all data for others to repeat experimentspolite and helpfulcould say what would falsify their theoryAdjust theory to fit facts
Class 8- Pseudo science vs science
Science
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ScienceWillingness to change with new evidenceRuthless peer reviewTakes account of all new discoveriesInvites criticismVerifiable resultsLimited claims of usefulnessAccurate measurement
pseudoscience
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PseudoscienceFixed ideasno peer reviewSelects only favorable discoveriessees criticism as conspiracyNon- repeatable resultsClaims of widespread usefulness
Class 9- Ethics
Reaching ethical decisions
Recognize ethical ssue
Get the relevant facts
Evaluate alternative actions
Make your decision and test it
Reflect of the out come of the action
Approaches to ethics
Utilitarian
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Greatest good for the greatest number of people.
Rights
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Respect the moral and human rights of everyone.
Fairness/Justice
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Treat equals equally and unequals unequally
Common good
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community good= personal good
Virtue
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Develop one's moral character.
Class 1-science checklist
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Science checklist: if claimed sciences' ideas match most of the checklist then it is considered a science.
Scientific checklist 2
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Scientific checklist 2Focuses on natural worldAims to explain natural worldUsing testable ideasrelies on evidenceInvolves the scientific communityleads to ongoing researchbenefits from scientific behaviour
