HUMN 3991: Issues in Science and Society 1
TRU Open Learning
Assignment 1 (100 marks, 10%): Instructions
Introduction
Now that you have completed the activities for Unit 1, you are ready to do
Assignment 1.
This assignment is out of 100 marks and is worth 10% of your final course grade.
Part A (21 marks)
Answer seven of the following ten questions. Brief answers. Two or three sentences.
(3 marks for each answer)
1. What is the demarcation question?
2. What is the difference between a category according to Kant and Aristotle?
3. What is the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning?
4. What is the relationship between the inference to the best explanation and
inductive reasoning?
5. Provide one example each of an explanations and causality.
6. Provide an example of the problem of symmetry (not referred to in the text).
7. What is the difference between metaphysical realism and scientific realism?
8. Provide an example of the observable non‐observable distinction.
9. Provide an example of a limitation of logical positivism.
10. What is the difference between Leibnitz and Newton on absolute space?
Part B (30 marks)
Answer three of the following five questions. Two or three paragraphs. (10 marks for
each answer)
1. Why does modern science’s emphasis on math require matter? What might
Aristotle say about modern science’s emphasis on matter?
2. What is the correlation between Hume’s problem of induction and the
uniformity of nature? How does this relate to the problem of probability?
3. With reference to Hempel’s covering law of explanation and the problem of
symmetry, consider whether science can explain everything.
4. In reference to the course material, briefly explain why you judge that either
realism or anti‐realism is correct.
5. Why might sociobiology be wrong?
2 Assignment 1
TRU Open Learning
Part C (49 marks)
Answer one of the following two questions. 500–750 words.
1. Refer to the assigned readings and video clips and analyze the relevance of
the realism and ant‐realism debate in relation to Thomas Kuhn’s argument on
the nature of scientific revolutions.
2. Refer to the assigned readings and video clips and critique scientism as the
sole form of valid knowledge outside the domain of natural science.
Criteria for Evaluating Essays
Here is a set of criteria that will form the basis for evaluating this written
assignment.
Substance (75%)
Each paragraph provides evidence of critical thinking and analysis as well as
synthesis of researched information throughout; in other words, it does not
merely repeat verbatim information from a primary source.
Information sources are relevant, current, and credible.
The material in each paragraph is not contradictory.
Each paragraph explains the necessary aspects of the concept and provides
necessary examples, support, or illustration.
Writing Style and Format (25%)
The paragraph is unified, developed, and coherent, with transitions between
ideas.
Sentences are grammatically correct; words are chosen for accuracy and
impact.
The writing follows the conventions of spelling and mechanics (punctuation,
etc.).
The format follows the MLA documentation style accurately and
consistently.
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