Perspectives in science, unity vs. pluralism, falsificationism and its limits, challenges of observation, and the socio-cultural dimensions of scientific knowledge.
Are there perspectives in science? Yes — in physics (dark matter, string theory), biology (Modern Synthesis vs. epigenetic extensions), and chemistry. accepts this as normal; the view treats it as unfinished business to be resolved.
Case study: — light behaves as wave or particle depending on the experimental conditions. Is this two perspectives, or one complex perspective with two aspects?
(Popper): scientists should try to falsify hypotheses, not confirm them. The (H₀) is what gets tested. Three problems:
Self-refutation — the falsifiability principle is itself not falsifiable
Observation is not innocent: - — directed by theory before observation begins - observation / — “no immaculate perception” (Nietzsche) - — Blondlot’s N-ray scandal; Percival Lowell’s Martian canals - Equipment challenges: OPERA neutrino experiment (faulty cable), fMRI statistical artefacts
Socio-cultural perspective: systematic exclusion of women and minorities is an epistemological problem — it shaped what questions science asked. Key figures: Ada Lovelace, Marie Curie, Mae Jemison, Katie Bouman.
Deeper challenges: ; (quarks, fields, energy) — anti-realists say they are useful fictions; realists invoke the no-miracles argument.