Overview
Problem Set 5
For each of the following situation, invent at least one hypothesis aimed at explaining what went wrong or at solving the problem. Then, for that hypothesis, describe one or more experiments or inquiries that would confirm or disconfirm the hypothesis. (1 points each)
1. On a windy day you pick up the phone to call a friend, but you find that the line is dead. You live in a house and share phone expenses with a housemate.
2.After driving for miles on a dusty road, you park your car near the bank of a river and take a hike through the woods. Soon you become lost. In one direction you see a small stream, and in the other, a trail.
Answer “true” or “false” to the following statements: (1 point each)
3.In the episode pertaining to the discovery of radium, all of the hypotheses turned out to be true.
4. Hypotheses serve the purpose of directing the search for additional evidence.
Briefly discuss the evidentiary problems raised by the following question (3-4 sentences): (1 points)
5. After drinking tea made from tarragon leaves every day for a year, your grandfather reports that his bunions cleared up. Does this prove that tarragon tea has the power to cure bunions?
6. Name the Four Criteria for the tentative acceptance of a hypothesis: (2 points)
7. Briefly discuss the distinction between science and superstition.You can provide an example to help illustrate a difference.(1-2 paragraphs). (3 points)