Philosophy of Science: Paradigm, Ontology, Epistemology

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Table of Contents

Paradigm
Ontology
Epistemology
Interpretivism
Positivism
Empiricism
Critical Theory
Constructivism
References

The term Philosophy of Science deals with all the foundations, methodologies, implications, and assumptions of science during a given process. On several occasions, it determines the magnitude of truth in a particular set of scientific results, thereby the merits or demerits of the same. Most importantly, problems, which may influence various other sciences, also fall under this category. It is noteworthy that scientific facts are anchored on observation, hence evolution and not creationist theories. The concept also covers aspirations of the practice in addition to modes of result interpretation (Newall, 2004).

Paradigm

Scientifically, the term paradigm defines distinctive concepts. It also covers contemporary circles when referring to practices, which define scientific disciplines at particular periods. This implies; the content availed for observation and scrutiny; questions to be probed regarding the available content; structure of the said questions; interpretation of results from scientific investigations. Nonprofessionals define the term as an exemplar, making it a set of archetypical experiments for emulation.

Ontology

As a concept, ontology refers to a study of reality and existence from a philosopher’s perspective. This study should incorporate basic existence categories and their relations. It deals with questions regarding existing entities, in addition, to possible grouping methods within a specified hierarchy. Most importantly, subdivisions have to occur according to correspondences and discrepancies. Summarily, it is a concern with establishing the elemental kind’s of being.

Epistemology

Epistemology refers to the study of knowledge. This makes it the category of philosophy that studies the nature and limitations of knowledge. As a result, some of the areas addressed therein include the definition of knowledge and its acquisition. Most importantly, epistemology seeks to explain what people know and how they know it (Klein, 2005).

Researchers endeavor to discern facts from myths, using credible evidence as to the benchmark. These terms are hence important since they define different aspects and areas of specialty researchers and practitioners will encounter (Klein, 2005). This enables them to distinguish between credible facts and personal sentiments when faced with a scenario. In addition, they enable practitioners to maintain objectivity in the course of their operations, by ensuring they test their methods rigorously instead of attempting to verify their concepts.

Interpretivism

This concept emphasizes the meaningful nature of participation in social and cultural life by people. This makes methods of natural science unsuitable for such processes since personal opinions and actions are analyzed in the process (Byrne, 1998).

Positivism

This term is used for epistemological points of view, which argue that scientific methods provide accurate means through which human and physical events take place. This implies that valid knowledge draws reference from experience, sense, and affirmative substantiation.

Empiricism

It is a theory of knowledge, which informs that knowledge, is realized through sensory experience. This makes it an integral component of epistemological studies. It lays emphasis on the importance of evidence, experience, and perception of senses concerning the information of ideas. This makes the testing of all theories against real-world observations an elementary part of all scientific dealings. This takes place instead of relying on intuition or revelation, making science empirical in nature (Solomon, 2001).

Critical Theory

This is an appraisal and assessment of traditions and society based on humanities and social sciences, which are carried out with the hope of changing the public. In some quarters, it has been perceived as a radical form of the Marxist ideology, making it a critique of logical positivism. It has two core concepts, which propose advocating for historical specificity and the integration of all major sciences, hence improving the understanding of society.

Constructivism

It is widely believed that this theory is not a discovery, but a product of scientists. This is because scientific concepts, which are conceived mentally and proposed as an explanation for sensory experience. This implies the lack of a single method for qualitative research. This implies that the theory relies on social constructivism, education, and philosophy.

References

Byrne, A. (1998). Interpretivism. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Web.

Klein, P. (2005). Epistemology. Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

Newall, P. (2004). Philosophy of Science. The Galilean Library. Web.

Solomon, M. (2001). Social Empiricism. Massachusetts, MA: MIT Press.

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