Proposition asserts that something is the case or that something is not the case
Proposition 1: similarities between philosophical and scientific questions
Proposition 2: differences between philosophical and scientific questions
Proposition 1: the common origin of philosophical and scientific questions is the
striving of human reason to understand the principles according to which the world
of human experience is ordered, and according to which human existence in the
world ought to be ordered. This striving is accomplished by means of an
independent investigation, from a theoretical perspective and in a reasonable way
This statement describes the thinking that is similar in philosophy and science.
Mythical thinking:
- The myth is a manifestation or revelation of a hidden reality – the content of
the myth is not independently discovered
The knowledge is tied to ritual action in order to influence and in
- order to survive in a dangerous world
- Myths are not open for deliberation, and therefore cannot be criticized – they
provide a point of certainty
1. unquestioned belief
2. belief is used to
3. taken as proof that explain an experience
the belief is real (may be somethig that
is hard to understand)
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, Philosophy started when people started to turn away from mythical thinking – this is
shown by early Greek philosophy.
Proposition 2: philosophical and scientific questions focus our theoretical
attention in different directions
Science directs our attention to the discovery and explanation of empirical facts
Theory: a model or system of ideas, based on an observation and reasoning that
explains groups or facts or phenomena.
A theory is valid when:
- It has reasons that can in principle be accepted by other
- It has reasons that do not contradict other things you also accept as true
A theory specifies principles or general rules according to which particular facts or
phenomena can be understood
Ad hoc = created or done for a particular purpose – i.e. only exists to support a belief
you have
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