Science as knowledge derived from the facts of experience

Welcome to our second meeting! Everyone is welcome.

After a round of introductions, we'll talk about pp. 1-9 of ''What is this thing called science?'' by Alan Chalmers.

Prep time: 15-20 minutes.

Please download the reading here. I have uploaded the whole book.

While reading, please be guided by these questions:

1. What do you think about the definition of ‘‘facts’’?
2. What was the historical context in the 17th century that made it possible for modern science to emerge?
3. What do you think of facts being mainly accessible (observable) through sight? What kind of facts do blind people have access to?
4. Is ‘‘seeing’’ (observation) really culture-bound? Or at least contextual? Can you think of examples where sensual perceptions may differ from culture to culture?
5. What do you think of the camera analogy of perception?
6. What are the implications if we do not ‘‘see’’ exactly the same things?

NB: If you are unable to come, kindly change your attendance status 24 hours before the meeting time. I do not live in Amsterdam, and if we are less than 4 people, we may reschedule the meeting. Thank you for understanding.