PHILO 202 Theories Undergo Transformation Stages Questions
PHILO
Description
For each of the following passages, determine whether it is an argument, a description, or an explanation (if you find an explanation, do not forget to say which kind it is). Clearly describe what the ‘take home message’ is from the passage. Provide a detailed justification for your classification of each passage. Please ensure that you make explicit any assumptions that your answers rely upon.
1) As a generalization we can say that our theories tend to be abandoned when they are no longer useful, and that they cease to be useful when they cannot predict the consequences of actions in which we are interested better than the next best alternative. When this happens the theory is abandoned and replaced by the superior alternative. In the process of upsetting existing theories we learn new, surprising facts. Lipsey, R. (1963), An Introduction to Positive Economics, (5th Ed.), (Weidenfield and Nicolson, London), p. 14.
2) The idea of a method that contains firm, unchanging and absolutely binding principles for conducting the business of science meets considerable difficulty when confronted with the results of historical research. We find, then, that there is not a single rule, however plausible, and however firmly grounded in epistemology that is not violated at some time or other. It becomes evident that such violations are not accidental events, they are not results of insufficient knowledge or inattention which might have been avoided. On the contrary, we see that they are necessary for progress. Feyerabend, P. (1975), Against Method, (3rd Ed.), (Verso, London), p. 14.
3) Miss X., fifteen years old, spent several months at the Longchamps hydro-therapy institution at Bordeaux during the winter of 1883, where she was treated for convulsive attacks of chorea and ejaculations of loud vulgar and obscene words. Miss X. was very intelligent, she learned the lessons given her by her teacher with the greatest ease, and she played the piano well. She was tall and largely built. She was not well disciplined. Kolb, B. and Whishaw, I. (1980), Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology, (2nd Ed.), (W. H. Freeman and Co, New York), p. 278.
Standardize the following passages, having first explicitly considered whether or not the passages contain arguments. Be sure to use exactly the methods discussed in class. Make sure you clearly indicate added premises and conclusions in the appropriate manner. Keep an eye out for sub-arguments and any parts of the argument that have been omitted. Once you have completed the standardization, draw a diagram for the argument.
6) If a band has song titles like Uncle Sams on Mars, and Space is Deep, then it is likely that it is a space rock band. The band Hawkwind uses both these song titles. If a band is a space rock band, then it is not likely that they will have many acoustic, instrumental, songs. So, if a band is a space rock band, then they will probably use multiple synthesizers and electric guitars with effects, as indeed Hawkwind does.
7) If an animal is a cat, then it is usually a carnivore and carnivores eat meat. At my house, we have an animal called Onyx. Onyx looks like a cat. However, Onyx does not like meat. Instead, she likes lettuce, especially red lettuce. So, appearances notwithstanding, there is an obvious conclusion.