Activity 1.2
Empirically Based Scientific Knowledge

Answer each question with a short essay based on material in this chapter.

1. What was considered true 100 years ago that is not true now? What do you think is considered true now that will not be in another 100 years, and why do think that?
2. Do you believe in ghosts? Why or why not? Could the scientific method be employed to determine if ghosts exist? Why or why not?
3. The issue of subjectivity/objectivity leads to interesting questions about how people perceive the world. Can you be sure all people see the world in identical terms? For example, is it possible that people actually see colors differently? Can you determine that what another person sees and calls red is in fact the same color you see and call red? Perhaps the other person is seeing what you call blue, but because it was always labeled by his or her parents (who see the world as you do) as red, he or she is seeing blue but calling it red. Are differences in perceptions of the world, such as this color example, possible?