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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What type of statement is deduced from universal statements?

2. From what does a theoretical system arise?

3. What is a precondition for rational consideration?

4. What does Popper use to check his investigations?

5. From what does methodological rule differ?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the purpose of empirical systems being consistent and falsifiable?

2. Why does Popper state that observability is not psychological?

3. How does one make a statement falsifiable?

4. What is the task of the logic of scientific discovery?

5. What is the falsification of a statement?

6. How is a naturalistic view constraining to scientific thought?

7. What is the benefit of singular statements?

8. What must be assumed to justify a universal statement?

9. Popper states that scientific statements cannot be conclusively disproved. If this is the case what can be determined with these statements?

10. What are the two conditions that must be met for a statement to be falsifiable?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Develop a counterargument for Popper's view of Fries' trilemma. Is Popper too strict on what is considered empirical? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

In Popper's discussion on simplicity, he mentions ad hoc hypotheses. Describe in detail what an ad hoc hypothesis is. Can it be used in this framework? Why or why not? What is the purpose of the ad hoc hypotheses? Provide support for you answers from the readings.

Essay Topic 3

Popper suggests that simplicity is used in many senses. Discuss these senses and provide support from the reading. What sense of simplicity does Popper feel is appropriate in science? Do you agree with Popper? Why or why not?

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