Deck 6: Truth and Acceptability

Question 1

When the conditions under which X is true can be demonstrated, X is

A) falsifiable
B) valid
C) verifiable
D) none of the above

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Describe one concern with the Correspondence Truth Theory.

Answer 2

One concern with the Correspondence Truth Theory is that it relies on the idea that truth is a matter of correspondence between a statement and the facts of the world. However, it can be difficult to determine what the "facts of the world" actually are, as our understanding of reality is constantly evolving. Additionally, the theory does not account for the role of language and interpretation in shaping our understanding of truth. This can lead to questions about whether truth is an objective reality or a subjective construct. Overall, the Correspondence Truth Theory may oversimplify the complex nature of truth and reality.

Question 3

List and Describe one characteristic of scientific investigation.

Answer 3

One characteristic of scientific investigation is its systematic approach. Scientific investigation follows a structured method to ensure that the process is logical, linear, and based on evidence. This systematic approach typically involves several key steps:

1. Observation: Scientists begin by observing the world around them, noting phenomena that require explanation. This can be something that is directly observed or a pattern that emerges from data.

2. Question: From these observations, scientists formulate questions that they want to answer through their research.

3. Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a testable prediction that provides a possible explanation for the observed phenomenon. It is often structured in a way that it can be supported or refuted through experimentation or further observation.

4. Experimentation: Scientists design and conduct experiments to test the hypothesis. This involves manipulating variables, controlling conditions, and gathering data in a reproducible manner.

5. Data Collection: During the experimentation phase, scientists collect data that are relevant to their hypothesis. This data must be collected systematically to ensure that it is accurate and reliable.

6. Analysis: The collected data are analyzed to determine whether they support or refute the hypothesis. This often involves statistical analysis to assess the significance of the results.

7. Conclusion: Based on the analysis, scientists draw conclusions about the validity of the hypothesis. If the hypothesis is supported, it may become a theory. If it is refuted, the hypothesis may be revised or discarded, and the process begins anew.

8. Communication: Finally, the results of the investigation are communicated to the scientific community and the public. This is typically done through scientific papers, conferences, and sometimes through media outlets.

The systematic approach is essential to scientific investigation because it ensures that conclusions are based on empirical evidence and logical reasoning, rather than on personal beliefs or biases. It also allows for the replication of studies, which is a fundamental aspect of verifying scientific findings.

Question 4

List and Describe one characteristic of personal experience.

Question 5

"Every time Deb has played the guitar, which was every day this past week, she's gotten better. So, she'll probably continue to get better (assuming she continues to play every day) " This is a case of

A) the gambler's fallacy
B) the fallacy of division
C) counterevidence
D) none of the above

Question 6

If you provide evidence that is inconsistent with the evidence offered for a claim, you have offered

A) truth
B) counterevidence
C) a fallacy
D) none of the above

Question 7

Which theory of truth says that a statement is true for an individual as long as he/she believes it to be
True?

A) pragmatism
B) coherence theory
C) correspondence theory
D) subjectivism

Question 8

Which theory of truth says that a statement is true when it describes the way the world actually is?

A) pragmatism
B) coherence theory
C) correspondence theory
D) subjectivism

Question 9

Which theory of truth says that a statement is true when it fits with other statements we believe to be true?

A) pragmatism
B) coherence theory
C) correspondence theory
D) subjectivism

Question 10

What two things should we consider when determining the acceptability of a claim?

A) plausibility and validity
B) validity and soundness
C) plausibility and reasonableness
D) soundess and reasonableness

Question 11

When the conditions under which X is false can be demonstrated, X is

A) falsifiable
B) valid
C) verifiable
D) none of the above

Question 12

Describe one concern with the Coherence Truth Theory.