Philosophy Empiricism In Science Study Cards

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Empiricism

A philosophical theory that knowledge is primarily derived from sensory experience and empirical evidence.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to scientific inquiry that involves observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and data analysis.

Observation

The act of gathering information through the senses or instruments to acquire empirical evidence.

Experimentation

The process of conducting controlled tests or investigations to gather empirical evidence and validate or refute hypotheses.

John Locke

A key thinker in empiricism who argued that all knowledge comes from experience and that the mind is a blank slate (tabula rasa) at birth.

David Hume

A prominent empiricist philosopher who emphasized the role of impressions and ideas in shaping our understanding of the world.

Francis Bacon

An influential figure in the development of the scientific method, advocating for systematic observation and experimentation.

Inductive Reasoning

A logical process of reasoning that involves making generalizations or predictions based on specific observations or evidence.

Skepticism

A philosophical position that questions or doubts the possibility of certain knowledge, often challenging empirical claims.

Empirical Evidence

Factual information or data obtained through observation, measurement, or experimentation, used to support or refute scientific hypotheses.

Rationalism

A philosophical theory that emphasizes the role of reason and innate knowledge in acquiring knowledge, contrasting with empiricism.

Logical Positivism

A philosophical movement that sought to ground knowledge in empirical verification and rejected metaphysical or speculative claims.

Karl Popper

A philosopher of science who proposed the falsification principle, arguing that scientific theories should be testable and potentially falsifiable.

Thomas Kuhn

A historian and philosopher of science who introduced the concept of scientific paradigms and paradigm shifts.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to interpret or favor information that confirms preexisting beliefs or hypotheses, potentially hindering objective empirical inquiry.

Reductionism

An approach that seeks to explain complex phenomena by reducing them to simpler, more fundamental components or processes.

Qualitative Research

A research method that focuses on understanding and interpreting subjective experiences, often relying on observation and interviews.

Quantitative Research

A research method that involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to identify patterns, relationships, or statistical significance.

Falsifiability

The capacity of a hypothesis or scientific theory to be proven false through empirical evidence or experimentation.

Null Hypothesis

A hypothesis that suggests no significant difference or relationship between variables, often used as a baseline for comparison in statistical testing.

Peer Review

The evaluation of scientific research or manuscripts by experts in the same field to ensure quality, accuracy, and validity.

Replication

The process of repeating or reproducing a scientific study or experiment to validate or challenge its findings and conclusions.

Paradigm Shift

A fundamental change in the basic assumptions, concepts, or practices of a scientific discipline, often resulting from new empirical evidence or theories.

Hypothesis

A testable explanation or prediction based on prior knowledge, observations, or theories, often used as a starting point for scientific inquiry.

Theory

A well-substantiated explanation or framework that encompasses a wide range of empirical evidence and has predictive and explanatory power.

Confirmation

The process of providing additional evidence or support for a hypothesis or theory through empirical observations or experimentation.

Correlation

A statistical relationship or association between two or more variables, often used to identify patterns or predict outcomes.

Causation

A relationship in which one event or factor directly influences or causes another event or outcome, often established through controlled experiments.

Randomized Controlled Trial

A research design that randomly assigns participants to different groups or conditions to assess the effectiveness or impact of interventions or treatments.

Peer-Reviewed Journal

A scholarly publication that only publishes articles after they have been critically evaluated and approved by experts in the field.

Empirical Research

Research that relies on direct observation, measurement, or experimentation to gather data and test hypotheses or theories.

Hypothesis Testing

The process of statistically analyzing data to determine the likelihood of a hypothesis being true or false, based on observed evidence.

Experimental Design

The plan or structure of an experiment, including the selection and assignment of participants, control groups, and variables to ensure valid and reliable results.

Control Group

A group in an experiment that does not receive the experimental treatment or intervention, used as a baseline for comparison.

Statistical Significance

A measure of the likelihood that observed differences or relationships in data are not due to chance, but rather reflect true effects or associations.

Peer-Reviewed Research

Research that has undergone rigorous evaluation and critique by experts in the field, ensuring its quality, validity, and reliability.

Empirical Observation

The act of gathering data or information through direct sensory experience or measurement, forming the basis of empirical research.

Scientific Realism

A philosophical position that asserts the existence of an objective reality that can be understood through scientific investigation and empirical evidence.

Scientific Skepticism

A critical and questioning approach to scientific claims and evidence, promoting the rigorous evaluation of hypotheses and theories.

Scientific Inquiry

The process of investigating and exploring natural phenomena through systematic observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Empirical Data

Factual information or measurements obtained through direct observation or experimentation, used as evidence in scientific research.

Scientific Objectivity

The principle of conducting scientific research and analysis without personal bias or preconceived notions, aiming for impartiality and accuracy.

Scientific Methodology

The systematic approach and set of principles used in scientific research to acquire knowledge, test hypotheses, and draw valid conclusions.

Scientific Experiment

A controlled procedure or test designed to investigate a specific scientific question or hypothesis, often involving manipulation of variables.

Scientific Evidence

Data, facts, or observations that support or refute a scientific hypothesis or theory, obtained through empirical research and analysis.

Scientific Knowledge

Information, theories, and explanations about the natural world that have been acquired through scientific inquiry and empirical evidence.

Scientific Paradigm

A framework or model that guides scientific research and understanding within a particular field or discipline, shaping theories and methodologies.

Scientific Progress

The cumulative advancement of scientific knowledge and understanding through the continuous refinement and expansion of theories and evidence.

Scientific Revolution

A period of significant change and transformation in scientific thought, theories, and methodologies, often associated with major breakthroughs.

Scientific Theory

A well-substantiated explanation or framework that encompasses a wide range of empirical evidence and has predictive and explanatory power.

Scientific Hypothesis

A testable explanation or prediction based on prior knowledge, observations, or theories, often used as a starting point for scientific inquiry.