The Nature of Science and Bullshit Detection Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definition of bullshit, the four pillars of scientific study, and the steps of the hypothetic-deductive method.

Bullshit

Language, statistical figures, data graphics, and other forms of presentation intended to persuade by impressing and overwhelming a reader or listener, with a blatant disregard for truth and logical coherence.

Science (Formal Definition)

A branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws.

Science (Empirical Definition)

Systematic knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation.

First Pillar of Scientific Study

Science is guided by natural law and must be explanatory by reference to natural law.

Second Pillar of Scientific Study

Scientific study must be testable.

Third Pillar of Scientific Study

Conclusions are tentative and not necessarily final.

Fourth Pillar of Scientific Study

Science is falsifiable; if new data and evidence do not support current understanding, the understanding is revised.

Philosophic burden of proof

The responsibility that lies upon a person making scientifically unfalsifiable claims, rather than shifting the burden of disproof to others.

The Hypothetic-Deductive Method

Also known as "The Scientific Method," it consists of five steps: observation, question, hypothesis, predictions and test, and conclusions.

Hypothesis

A possible explanation for an observation, formulated based on previous knowledge, inference from similar situations, and common sense.

Alternative hypotheses

The set of other possible explanations that can be tested if a researcher does not find support for their first hypothesis.

Controlled Experiment

A scientific test that includes at least two groups: a test or experimental group and a control group.

Theoretical Benchmarks (Support vs. Reject)

In the Hypothetic-Deductive Method, a hypothesis is either rejected or supported based on the results of predictions and tests.

Scientific Theory

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on knowledge that has been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation.

Colloquial "Theory"

An unsubstantiated, speculative hunch (e.g., "I have a theory…") that differs from the formal scientific definition.