Homework

“Facts are needed to establish theories but theories are needed to make sense of facts.” Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge. May 2017

1-Identify (give definition) for key terms.

A fact can be classified as an observation that has repeatedly been confirmed and hence is considered 'true' in society as empirical evidence bolsters the validity of a fact. For example, the notion that the Earth is spherical is widely established as a fact. An in-depth explanation of a particular phenomenon the other hand can be classified as a theory. A theory essentially provides a logical explanation for a given prediction whereas laws find their base in mathematical foundations and are generally accepted without much questioning. For instance, it is the theory of chromosomal inheritance that provides an explanation for the validity of Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment or Einstein's Theory of Relativity that explains Newton's Law of Gravity.

2-Brainstorm specific examples in two AOKs you would use to answer the prompt.

Two Areas of Knowing that could potentially be used to answer this prompt are- 

• Natural Sciences: The natural sciences themselves are founded on the basis of numerous theories that have essentially amalgamated over time in order to support certain notions in the realm of the natural sciences. For instance, if we were to examine specifically within the natural science of Biology, the fundamental underpinning of the subject lies in the "cell theory," according to which a) All living things are composed of cells, b) cells are the smallest unit of life, and c) all cells arise from preexisting cells. This theory today is accepted universally as the concrete understanding of the human life and the ideas surrounding the existence of life itself. Nevertheless, taking into consideration the thought provoking prompt itself, the theory itself was established on evidence discovered by scientist Robert Hooke in 1665 and thus it can be deduced that facts were used to compile the theory itself. Nonetheless, as mentioned theories are required to make sense of facts and hence it can be said that these two facets are aspects that are inextricable from each other. On the contrary, the theories grounded in quantum physics stand independent of facts and hence this would be an example that contradicts the declarative claim made by the question itself. Accordingly, the theory of the Cell Theory that forms much of the basis of our knowledge of the biological world we live in today, can pose as a great example of personifying this dilemma in regards to our conceptual understanding of the intertwining notions of theories and facts are their inter-relation, as well. 

• Mathematics: Mathematic is one aspect of the Areas of Knowing that is cemented in pure objectivity and is not influenced by external factors such as intuition, emotion and/or perspective as such. In fact, theories in mathematics are grounded in concrete almost "factual" knowledge that is universally indisputable. For example, if we were to take in consideration the eminent Pythagorean Theorem in mathematics, which is attributed to being discovered by Greek mathematician Pythagoras, is today one of the most fundamental concepts in known mathematics. Nevertheless, in order for the theory to be established, facts needed to be observed and recorded by mathematician Pythagoras. That being said, in order to comprehend the factually derived knowledge, a decent knowledge of a supporting theory would be the only way to unravel the true implications of the facts being observed. Thus, even in this case, it would be hard to essentially deduce the elements of the theory and factual prevalence independently, making the situation relatively ambiguous as to how the entire process would flourish with one element being in the absence. 

3- what are the assumptions of the claim?

That being said, the assumption of the associated claims once a "theory" is established would imply that no further development can alter the basics of the once cemented theory. Nonetheless, if this universal acceptance was to dominate, it would remain that no essential "paradigm shifts" could propel our knowledge. Thus, the primary limitation to hindering our understanding to pre-existent "theories" could pose as an obstacle in expanding our horizons as a society and thus progressing in the entirety. 

Consider how each of the following play a role in this prescribed title: bias, belief, limitations, reliability, (un)certainty, validity, truth, justification, subjectivity

·       Bias- Often times bias, or impartial judgement spurred by external factors, can lead an individual to interpret certain results with an inherent skewed perspective, which would be referred to as bias. It is crucial that the manifestation of such bias is relatively low in the pragmatic realm.

·       Belief- An individual needs to genuinely believe in their work/theories in order to accomplish the goal they set out to initially achieve by engaging in the experiment/lab/exploration. 

·       Limitations- Facts are static while theories are dynamic, doesn’t specify any restrictions on the facts we use for arguing, only using two areas of knowledge

·       Reliability- The reliability of theories are in societal views indisputable however, this aspect must be considered in the real world and not blindly accepted by individuals. 

·       Uncertainty- Uncertainty is inevitable in the experimental realm; nevertheless, the uncertainty degrees vary and need be considered when establishing theories and/or laws. 

·       Validity- are the two areas of knowledge valid to use? Is the entire question valid?

·       Truth- To what extent do the supporting claims have substance/ truth to them to validate the argument being developed in response to the central claim. 

·       Justification- How can one justify the certainty of the facts being used to support the primary argument and the associated claims. 

·       Subjectivity- Definitions of terminology differ from person to person based on their interpretation of the situation at hand. Thus, this essentially alludes to the notion of subjectivity which allows from the question itself to be approached in a plentitude of ways. 

“Science is built of facts the way a house is built of bricks: but an accumulation of facts is no more science than a pile of bricks is a house” Henri Poincaré