He argued that it is only through the free investigation and testing of ideas that knowledge can be moved forward. He believed that it is not generally possible to prove the truth of any theory or idea with certainty. We can have only probable knowledge, and search for evidence with examples that support our views.…
We examine the ideas developed by scientific philosophers, and the questions they asked, including: What are the characteristics of a good scientific method? How do we know if knowledge is supported by data? What is a “cause”? What role does observation and reason play in science and in everyday life? Is science purely rational and…
Critical thinking -involves two major tasks: judging the value of information and judging the strength of arguments. We decide what to believe or do based on making such judgments. Relevance Determining whether the information or arguments presented have any bearing on the matters at hand Irrelevant information or argument should be rejected. Examples: A charge…
Inductive Generalization uses specific examples to draw general conclusions. People use inductive generalizations to observe situational patterns which they project on new cases. What pattern do you see in the following premises? Premise: In the 1950s, one out of five households in North Bay had a television set. Premise: In the 1970s, four out of…
He does not believe that science proceeds from one advancement to another, in an even and unbroken process. Kuhn’s view is that scientists work within an unquestioned theory or set of beliefs: Mental Paradigm This mental paradigm (accepted view) shapes scientists’ thinking as they work. Within this set of beliefs, scientists search for information and…
Socrates 470-399 B.C,- NEVER wrote anything Gave philosophy its preeminent method- Socratic method or questioning (form of inquiry and debate between individuals with opposing viewpoints based on asking and answering questions to stimulate rational thinking and to illuminate ideas) Believed knowledge does not come from memorizing facts & repeating them True wisdom comes from being…
Metaphysics Studies the nature of being; the makeup, working and organization of reality in general. Often looks at aspects of being that cannot be observed and measured, such as God and virtue Basic questions include: What is being? What are its fundamental features and properties? Logic & the Philosophy of Science Logic deals with the…
Currently popular are definitions of family based on what they do rather than who comprises them. These definitions reflect a desire to include groups that do not fit the traditional man-woman-child model. These definitions are most suited to the study of the interrelationships of individuals and families in this course. The Vanier Institute of the…
Peer Pressure: = the pressure that you feel to do what others your age (individuals or groups) are doing. An example of POSITIVE peer pressure: = role models (e.g. people who get good grades, have good study habits, volunteer in the community) An example of NEGATIVE peer pressure: = gangs (e.g. groups that may be…
Active Listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding. Active listening is a structured form of listening and responding that focuses the attention on the speaker. Active listening is an important way to bring about changes in people. Despite the popular notion that listening is a passive approach,…
Burrhus Frederic Skinner Born March 20, 1904 Died August 18, 1990 Received his BA in English and attempted to be a writer Went back to school at Harvard and received his masters in psychology in 1930 and then his doctorate in 1931 One of the best psychology writers: Walden II, Behaviour of Organisms, Science Human…
Developed a theory about childhood development that still greatly influences behavioural psychologist and educators today. Biography: -born in 1896-1980 in Neuchatel -attended the University of Neuchatel -received a PhD in Natural Science -Moved to Paris, France to teach at an all boy school -Here was what led him to his theory that young children’s cognitive…
Dr. Howard Gardner is a professor of education at Harvard University, he is also a psychologist. In 1983 Gardner developed the theory of multiple intelligences. It suggested that the original notion of intelligence based on an I.Q. test was far too limited. Gardner came up with 8 different intelligences to account for the broader range…
Karl Marx was an economist, revolutionary and a sociologist, amongst other occupations. Moving around Germany, France and finally England, he developed his theories and ideas that would lead him to attempt a revolution to overthrow the capitalist system. Despite being close to starting one such revolution, it quickly dissipated when it lost support. He wrote…
Change in an organism’s physical structure or behavior that improves its ability to survive in its habitat Anything that helps an organism survives in its environment is an adaptation Adaptation also refers to organisms’ ability to adjust to various conditions within their environment Examples: change in the size of bird’s beak, development of sharp teeth…
The Qur’an -“Qur’an” means recitation -The revelations that Muhammad received through Gabriel are literally the Word of God -This distinguishes it from other sacred writings (e.g. the Torah, the Bible) -Even translations from Arabic are considered suspect -The Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad over a period of 23 years -He remembered them and taught his…
Islam shares a common history with Christianity and Judaism up until the time of Abraham. Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad is a descendant of Ishmael, the son that Abraham had with Hagar and then banished. Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad are all considered to be prophets who attempted to reveal Allah’s will to humankind.…
Muslim belief can be summarized in a creed called the Shahadah: “There is no god but God and Muhammad is the messenger of God” This idea is central to Islam, and all other beliefs and traditions are based on it God God’s proper name is Allah Allah is omnipresent (all-present), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipotent (all-powerful)…
Origins Christianity began in the land of Palestine (Israel), primarily in Galilee and Judaea. Founded by Jesus of Nazareth (c. 4 BCE – c. 29 CE), who has left no writings of his own. Jesus began teaching and healing around the age of thirty. Jesus was born a Jew who prescribed changes within Judaism. Jesus…
The Great Schism 1054 It is often stated that the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church was founded at the time of this great schism. That is false. The One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church was ruled by five patriarchs: those of Rome, Constantinople, Antioch, Alexandria, and Jerusalem, each having authority over bishops…