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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 is one characteristic of the relationship between theory and classes of statements that must be present?

2. How must scientific statements be tested?

3. What is used to capture and explain the world?

4. What term does Popper use of empirical science?

5. What do the constructions of the laws of nature determine?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Popper, what should epistemology do?

2. Why does Popper discredit the conventionalist view of science?

3. What is Fries' trilemma?

4. What is the conventionalist view of science?

5. What type of questions or thoughts does Popper state are irrelevant to scientific knowledge?

6. What are three characteristics of theories?

7. What does Popper state is not the goal of science?

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

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

10. With regard to universal and singular statements, what does Popper note about symbolic logic?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Popper leaves the question of the benefits of more or fewer falsifiers open. Discuss the benefits or drawbacks of more or fewer falsifiers. Based on this information, which do you feel is better? Explain your answer.

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This section contains 713 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample