PSYC 305 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: James Mill, Essentialism, Étienne Bonnot De Condillac
27 Feb 2017
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Document Summary
Empirical philosophy elevates roles of observation and experience in human knowledge. Belief prevailing methods of inquiry were flawed. Idols: common sources of error in acquiring knowledge (a) idols of the tribe: limitations based on weaknesses in human nature. Examples: sensory processes may distort objects when image is travelling to the brain (b) idols of the cave: prejudices that may blind us to alternative interpretations. Data should be primary concern should be more concerned with discovering. Should be more flexible in investigations + consider alternative interpretations the truth than confirming a hypothesis (c) idols of the marketplace: nominal fallacy temptation to take words too seriously or believe naming something explains it. Constant reexamination of definitions + classification systems (d) idols of theatre: beliefs based on common notions, a few experiments or superstition. Challenged individual to avoid accepting easy authority as others. Believed skepticism was flawed lead skeptics to make the same intellectual mistakes.
