Philosophy 2070
Assignment 7
The scientific method and the role of the scientist
Due by email on Saturday, March 17.
Please note that the assignment is due by email on Saturday March 17th in order to allow time to reflect
after Wednesday’s lecture. On Wednesday, March 14th, Dr Tom Nudds (Guelph Integrative Biology) will
be speaking to the class about how popular beliefs about science shape debates over environmental
policy. The following two questions are related to this guest lecture.
Please make sure to include your TA’sname and the section number on your assignment. Please send to
both theinstructor and your TA and place your name and the assignment number in the email header.
Answer one of the following.
1. Dr Nudds is an advocate of what is known as the scientific method. This method involves four
stages: (1) generate a hypothesis, (2) derive a prediction from the hypothesis, (3) test the
prediction, (4) either reject or accept the hypothesis, based on whether the prediction is fulfilled.
Nudds argues that by following this method, scientists are able to identify and overcome biases. For
your assignment, explain how the example that Nudds describes in class corresponds to each of
these four stages. Then identify a criticism of this approach, based on Monday’s discussion of the
scientific method or on the Woodward and Goldstein reading. (Note, I am not concerned that you
get Nudds’ example exactly correct. I am more concerned that you are able to identify the four
states of the scientific method in the context of an example).
2. Dr Nudds argues that scientists should remove themselves from the domain of scientific advocacy.
As he often puts it, science shouldn’t take sides. In your reflection, first do your best to identify
Nudds’ argument for this view. Then explain whether you agree or disagree, and why.