Ch. 6-9

Front 1

What does it mean that a model is symbolic?

Back 1

In symbolic models different parts or aspects of the object under study are represented by
symbols. (p.70)

Front 2

What does it mean that the model is idealized?

Back 2

It may involve a distortion of the original or it can simply mean a leaving aside of some components in a complex in order to focus the better on the remaining ones. (p. 71)

Front 3

In the philosophy of science, what is a reduction?

Back 3

Scientific explanations often take the form of explaining complex phenomena in terms of
simpler ones. Such an explanation can be called a reduction. (p. 79)

Front 4

Are there good reasons to believe that all sciences can be reduced to physics?

Back 4

No. "Already the reduction from chemistry to
physics has severe limitations. (...)Chemists use many concepts that cannot be defined in physical terms. This applies for instance to the concepts of substitution and functional groups." (p. 79)

Front 5

What is a functional explanation?

Back 5

"When talking about things created by humans, we can often explain their properties by referring to the purpose that they serve" e.g. spoon handle - jam jars. (p. 77)

Front 6

What is the post hoc ergo propter hoc mistake?

Back 6

We humans are too eager to interpret correlations or coincidences as
cause-effect relationships. "post hoc ergo propter hoc", -“after this, thus because of this”. The mistake consists in believing that since B follows after A, B is caused by A. (p. 83)

Front 7

Does a strong statistical correlation imply a causal relationship?

Back 7

"It is important to observe that the strength of a statistical correlation does not determine if
there is also a causal connection." E.g. viscosity of asphalt and polio. (p.83)

Front 8

What is the role of values in scientific decision-making?

Back 8

Values influence scientific decision making in the sense that for example most researchers would probably require stronger evidence for a hypothesis that supports prejudices that they abhor than for a hypothesis that has the opposite implications.