HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE (2)
Philosophy of Science
SECTION A
1. “Common‐sense beliefs hinder science.” Discuss.
2. Is there a unitary philosophy for all the sciences, or are there only
specialised philosophies for each of the sciences?
SECTION B
3. What is the best account of causation?
4. Are explanations arguments?
5. “Scientific theories are good if, and only if, their predictions are true.”
Discuss.
6. Either (a) Can we have knowledge of the future?
Or (b) Do laws of nature tell us what must happen?
7. How should one choose between the Newtonian and the Leibnizian
conceptions of space?
8. Critically evaluate the Platonist view of mathematics.
9. “The acceptance of a scientific theory is a social phenomenon, which cannot
be explained without reference to social causes.” Discuss.
10. Is Darwin’s argument for evolution by natural selection an instance of
“inference to the best explanation”?
11. Is the precautionary principle unscientific?
12. Is it wrong to undertake biomedical research on humans without their
consent?