Evaluation QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Alternative ways of testing empirical statements - Answers:1. ignore the question / statement
2. rely on chance to decide
3. rely ong dogma
4. rely on authority
5. rely on common sense
6. rely on heuristics
7. rely on observation
Why may empiricism be uncertain? - Answers:Observations may be incorrect because of
limitations of our sensory ability, perception of sound direction, perception of color, and
perceptual illusions.
1.0 and 0.0 probability - Answers:We can never be absolutely certain that empirical statements
are true (1.0) or false (0.0). We can come close but will never reach those numbers
Dr. Death - Answers:He made claims of absolute certainty about future dangerousness of capital
offenders and was expelled.
What is considered empirical evidence? - Answers:Requires we evaluate statements in light of
all available and relevant observations. We can not pick and choose what facts we pay attention
to and ignore.
Publicness - Answers:Science does not rely on observations by anyone person at any one time
Science only trust and relies on... - Answers:observations which are replicable or repeated
Symptom of pseudo-science - Answers:New observations rarely change what is considered true.