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Due Friday Sept. 27 at 10:00.
Write a 250-300 word essay (1 full typewritten page, double-spaced) on the following issue.
Consider the following claim: There really are no crucial tests in science. Using material from the readings, develop a plausible argument in support of this claim. If true, what are the implications of this claim for the goal of objective, error- proof scientific knowledge?
This assignment is intended to give you practice and feedback on writing an essay in preparation for the exam and papers. For the first part try to show as clearly as possible, with supporting facts and details, why some philosophers claim that there really are no crucial tests in science. Obviously you will have to begin by providing the commonly accepted definition of a crucial test. Strong arguments also typically use a concrete example to "show" the thesis. You are not required to provide a deductively valid argument with all possible logical gaps plugged up, but nevertheless you should provide a pretty tight argument so that the reader sees how one can get from your starting point to the intended conclusion that there really are no crucial tests.
The second part of the question requires you to provide your own thesis and support it with a few plausible reasons.