Falsafah Dan Isu Semasa : 6 (B) Epistemologi (Teori Kebenaran, Sains, Revolusi Sains)

Summary

The transcript explores various epistemological theories, focusing on correspondence, coherence, and pragmatic theories of truth. It explains how truth is determined through matching statements with reality, consistency with other accepted truths, and practical outcomes, respectively. The role of epistemology in shaping scientific methodologies, especially after the 17th-century Scientific Revolution, is discussed. The shift from speculative to experimental science marked a pivotal change in how knowledge is validated. Through examples from philosophy and science, the script highlights the importance of these theories in both academic and practical contexts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The theory of correspondence states that a statement is true if it corresponds with external reality, like the statement 'It is raining outside the classroom' being true if it matches the actual weather.
• 😀 The theory of coherence argues that a statement is true if it is consistent with other accepted statements, like 'John is the murderer' being true if supported by other evidence like fingerprints on a weapon.
• 😀 The pragmatic theory of truth emphasizes practical outcomes and real-world applications, suggesting that a statement is true if it leads to useful results, such as the successful application of atomic theory in technology.
• 😀 The theory of correspondence is often used to validate everyday truths by comparing statements with observable facts in the world.
• 😀 Coherence theory places value on logical consistency among statements, rather than matching them to external reality, to determine their truth.
• 😀 In scientific development, the shift from speculative philosophy to empirical experimentation in the 17th century marked a pivotal moment in epistemology.
• 😀 The 17th-century scientific revolution introduced experimentation as a crucial method for verifying scientific theories, moving away from mere philosophical reasoning.
• 😀 The pragmatic theory is used in the scientific method, such as the theory of atoms, where its validity is tested through experiments that produce practical and usable results.
• 😀 Empiricism, which emphasizes knowledge gained through sensory experience and experimentation, became a dominant epistemological approach in science post-17th century.
• 😀 Rationalism, another key epistemological approach, is illustrated in mathematical sciences, which rely on logic and reason without direct sensory observation, like in the use of mathematical formulas in scientific research.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the transcript?

The main focus of the transcript is on various epistemological theories, including the Correspondence Theory, Coherence Theory, and Pragmatic Theory of truth. It also discusses how these theories apply to the understanding of knowledge, science, and real-world phenomena.

What is the Correspondence Theory of truth?

The Correspondence Theory suggests that a statement or claim is true if it corresponds to or aligns with the reality or facts outside of it. For instance, if a statement like 'It is raining outside' matches the actual situation of rain occurring, the statement is considered true.

How does the Coherence Theory of truth differ from the Correspondence Theory?

The Coherence Theory of truth is based on the idea that a statement is true if it is consistent with other statements or beliefs within a system. Unlike the Correspondence Theory, it does not rely on matching reality directly, but instead looks at how well a statement fits within a coherent set of related statements.

Can you provide an example of the Coherence Theory of truth?

An example is the statement 'John is the murderer,' which is validated by related statements such as 'John's fingerprints were found on the weapon' and 'John was seen leaving the scene.' These statements cohere with each other, establishing the truth of the initial claim about John.

What does the Pragmatic Theory of truth emphasize?

The Pragmatic Theory of truth emphasizes the practical consequences of beliefs or statements. It suggests that something is true if it works in practice or leads to successful outcomes. For example, a scientific theory is considered true if experiments based on it produce consistent and reliable results.

How is the Pragmatic Theory of truth applied in science?

In science, the Pragmatic Theory is applied when a scientific theory is validated through experiments that produce results consistent with predictions. For instance, the atomic theory is considered true because it leads to successful applications, such as the development of atomic technology.

What role does experimentation play in the Pragmatic Theory?

Experimentation is central to the Pragmatic Theory because it helps determine the truth of a statement or theory based on its practical outcomes. If experiments align with predictions and produce useful results, the theory is considered true.

What was the scientific revolution of the 17th century, and how does it relate to epistemology?

The scientific revolution of the 17th century marked a radical shift in scientific methods, emphasizing empirical experiments and evidence-based conclusions. This transformation aligned with epistemological shifts, particularly the rise of empiricism, which focuses on knowledge derived from sensory experience and observation.

How did the scientific approach before the 17th century differ from post-revolution practices?

Before the 17th century, scientific knowledge was often derived from theoretical reasoning and speculation, without the rigorous use of experiments. After the scientific revolution, the focus shifted to empirical methods, where scientific knowledge was tested and validated through experiments and observable evidence.

What connection exists between epistemology and the development of modern science?

Epistemology, particularly empiricism, influenced the development of modern science by encouraging the use of experimental methods to validate knowledge. The shift towards empirical observation and evidence-based reasoning allowed science to evolve into a field focused on verifiable and practical outcomes.