Lee McIntyre - The Scientific Attitude: Defending Science from Denial, Fraud, and Pseudoscience

Lee McIntyre discusses his work on the philosophy of science, focusing on the demarcation problem and the scientific attitude. He highlights the challenges posed by science denial and pseudoscience due to the unresolved nature of defining what makes science special. McIntyre emphasizes the importance of the scientific attitude, which values evidence and the willingness to change one's mind. He also acknowledges Karl Popper's influence on his thinking, particularly the critical attitude towards evidence. The video concludes with a reflection on how the scientific attitude maintains honesty in scientific practice.

What is the demarcation problem in the philosophy of science?

• A theory about the origins of science

• A method to categorize scientific disciplines

• A challenge in defining what makes science unique

• A debate on the ethical implications of scientific research

According to McIntyre, what is the core of the scientific attitude?

• Adherence to strict scientific methods

• A community ethos valuing evidence and openness to change

• A focus on technological advancements

• A commitment to publishing research findings

How does McIntyre suggest addressing the demarcation problem?

• By focusing on the practice of science

• By developing new scientific methods

• By increasing funding for scientific research

• By redefining scientific logic

What was Karl Popper's main question regarding scientific claims?

• What is the most popular scientific theory?

• What evidence could prove your claim wrong?

• How can science be made more accessible?

• What are the ethical implications of your research?

Why does McIntyre believe the scientific attitude is important?

• It promotes faster technological development

• It increases public trust in science

• It guarantees scientific success

• It ensures scientists remain honest