The Structure of Scientific Thought

Study guide #4

Allchin, "Points East and West"

1. 1. What is puzzling or striking about acupuncture from the Western perspective?

   2. How do you explain the Western reluctance to accept acupuncture?

2. 1. Describe the Traditional Chinese theory that explains acupuncture.

   2. What kinds of concepts would a Western scientific explanation of acupuncture use?

3. According to Allchin, what are some of the differences between Chinese views and   Western views about the  practice of science? How do their conceptions of the aims and methods of  science differ?

Feyerabend, "How to Defend Society from Science"

4. 1. What is an ideology?  What is the  function/purpose of  ideology?

   2. Do you think that science is an ideology, or is based on ideology? (give your reasons).

5. 1. Why does Feyerabend believe that society must be saved from science? How do the facts mentioned in the Allchin essay support Feyerabend’s claims?

   2. How does Feyerabend propose to save Society from science?

   3. Critically evaluate Feyerabend’s arguments and conclusions.  If you disagree with his conclusions, where are the mistakes in his  arguments?

6. According to Feyerabend, what is the usual argument given in support of Science occupying a  privileged position in Western  society?

7. According to Feyerabend, can science be characterized by a unique method?  Present Feyerabend’s argument.

8. What does Feyerabend have against Popper’s philosophy of science? Do you agree, and why?

9. According to Feyerabend, is science special because of the (good) results it produces? Try to clarify what counts as "results" here. What other activities or traditions produce "results" according to Feyerabend. Present and critique Feyerabend’s argument.

Thagard "Why Astrology is a Pseudoscience"

10. 1. How does Thagard distinguish between science and pseudo-science?

    2. Compare and contrast  his view with  Popper’s.

    3. How does his view differ from Feyerabend’s?

11. 1. Why does Thagard think that astrology is a pseudo-science?

    2. In your view has he successfully shown that it is a pseudo-science? Give an argument.

12. How would Feyerabend and Thagard answer the question:  Should our medical schools teach both the ancient Chinese basis for medicine and the current Western chemical/molecular basis for medicine?  What is your answer?

The Big Questions

13. What is Science?  How do Aristotle, Bacon, Popper, and Kosso answer this question?Which answer, if any, do you prefer, and why? Can science be defined? What is your answer to the question “what is science”?

14. Is science just another source of fairytales, as Feyerabend claims, or does it deserve to hold a special place in our society as a source of TRUTH? Or is there some other attitude we should have towards science? Use the readings to support your answer.  What are some arguments against your answer, and how do you respond to them?