Science vs. Pseudo-science:
Science uses systematic methods of observation, testing, and evidence to form and revise theories that can be proven false (falsifiable).
Pseudo-science imitates science but lacks proper testing, evidence, or falsifiability — it cannot be reliably confirmed or disproven.
Example:
Physics is science, while astrology is pseudo-science, because astrology’s claims can’t be rigorously tested or falsified.
Verificationism
A theory from logical positivism (early 20th century).
Main idea: A statement is meaningful only if it can be verified by experience or observation.
Example:
Water boils at 100°C” → meaningful (can be tested).
God exists” → meaningless (cannot be verified empirically).
Falsificationism
Science progresses by falsifying (disproving) theories, not by verifying them.
A theory is scientific only if it can, in principle, be proven false.
Example: “All swans are white” → scientific (can be falsified by one black swan).
Good science makes risky predictions that could be wrong.
Concept of inductive strength.
Definition:
An inductive argument is strong if its premises make the conclusion very likely to be true — though not certain.
Deductive arguments = aim for certainty.
Inductive arguments = aim for probability.
statistical arguments
Definition:
A statistical argument is an inductive argument that uses numerical data or probabilities to support a conclusion.
It claims something is likely true based on statistics or sample evidence.
Inference to the Best Explanation
Definition:
An argument form where we infer that the best explanation for certain facts or observations is probably true.
It’s also called “abductive reasoning.”
Defeaters in inductive arguments.
Definition:
A defeater is new information that weakens or overturns an inductive argument.
Because inductive arguments are based on probability, they can be defeated by new evidence.
Explanation: DN model of explanation/mechanistic model of explanation & Coleman’s boat.
Definition:
A scientific explanation that deductively derives an event from general laws and initial conditions.
