Question: Write a 3 to 4 page, double-spaced typed, critical essay on any one question. Consult at least five other sources including our course textbook, and list all sources on a separate page.
1. The author James Ladyman defines logic as ‘the study of reasoning abstracted from what that reasoning is about.' What are the two types of reasoning we discussed in class? Briefly explain each type of reasoning with examples. What are some of the similarities and differences between the two types of reasoning?
2. Francis Bacon, often called the father of modern philosophy of science, challenged Aristotle's science and advocated for strong inductive reasoning for reaching conclusions about things. He lists what he calls four Idols of the Mind that could get in the way of rightful inductive reasoning. List and briefly outline the main ideas of each Idol.
3. Scientific knowledge derives its credibility from its method, principally inductive method. Briefly describe the central tenets of inductive method. Briefly outline the central argument launched by the Scottish philosopher David Hume against inductive reasoning. Conclude your response with your own analysis of Hume's criticism of inductive reasoning-do you agree or disagree with his criticism?
4. What does Karl Popper mean when he argues that falsifiability is the assertion that for any hypothesis to have credence, it must be inherently disprovable before it can become accepted as a scientific hypothesis or theory? Explain the idea of falsification with an example. Popper claims that falsification overcomes the problem of induction. Do you agree? Critically evaluate.
The response must be typed, single spaced, must be in times new roman font (size 12) and must follow the APA format.