So, where do you think that you fall in the spectrum of Super-realism and Realism? Or do you see yourself more as an Instrumentalist or Descriptivist? In reviewing your notes, write down some pros and cons of each viewpoint (from your point of view). Then, complete your journal entry in which you describe your stance on the formation of scientific theories.
HW: Journal entry due Friday - (1) What is a scientific theory? (2) What is an empirical law? (3) How are they related? (4) What are observables and unobservables? (5) Summarize the four philosophical viewpoints discussed in class and in the reading? Include a discussion of how each views observables/unobservables, theoretical statements, and empirical statements. (6) Write a paragraph describing your position on scientific theories in relation to the four philosophical viewpoints. (7) Explain the process of theory formation. (8) Explain the two ways in which empirical laws are generated.
