Philosophy of Science X303

Spring, 1996: First Paper topic

Dr. Rumsey, Knobview 200L
Dr. Forinash, Physical Science 101

Please write a four to six page paper assessing the claim of Karl Popper in Klemke, pp. 19-27 (selection from Conjectures and Refutations) that "the criterion of the scientific status of a theory is its falsifiability."

Your paper should be based on a careful study of Popper, our readings in Kuhn and elsewhere, and our class discussions. In working up you paper, you should consider how well Popper's account of what is involved in testing a scientific theory fits the scientific activities we have been studying and how well his account of what is involved in accepting or rejecting a scientific theory fits those scientific activities.

A reminder: in grading your paper, we will ask ourselves the following questions:

Does the paper show a through understanding of (a) the portions of Kuhn and the other readings cited, and (b) Popper's claims in the selection in Klemke?
Were Popper's claims clearly supported or refuted by appropriate citation of Kuhn and others? Could a stronger case have been made by citing more?
Were there organizational, grammatical, or spelling errors which seriously hindered clarity?

The paper is due by Monday, January 29th. You may turn it in to either of us. If at all possible, please turn in the paper in electronic form, either by email or on a diskette.