Department of Mathematics & Philosophy of Engineering Bachelor of Technology Level 5 MPJ5231 Nature of Science 2011- Assignment No.

o. 01 Due Date: 02nd August 2011 Answer all questions

1. (i). Compare and contrast induction and Deduction as methodologies of science. (ii). What was the aim of science and how that aim was to be achieved according to Francis Bacon? 2. (i). Explain how and why David Hume concluded, that induction cannot be justified by appeal to logic or experience? (ii). What is the drawback of the argument put forward to defend induction, that there is uniformity in nature? (iii). What was David Humes position (standpoint) regarding the following? (a). The problem of induction (b). Cause and effect relationship (causality) 3. (i). Outline four (04) main tenets (principles) of Logical Positivists. (ii). What was the critique of Karl Popper regarding the above mentioned tenets of Logical Positivists? 4. Explain Karl Poppers views regarding the following Give relevant examples where necessary (i). The methodology of science (ii). Demarcation between science and non-science (iii). The important characteristics of a scientific theory (iv). Ad-hoc modifications to theories

Send answer scripts addressed to: Coordinator MPJ5231 Department of Mathematics & Philosophy of Engineering Faculty of Engineering Technology The Open University of Sri Lanka Nawala Nugegoda