Evaluating Knowledge and Certainty in Science and Philosophy

The video explores the Dunning-Kruger effect, emphasizing the importance of evidence in science. It discusses how scientists rely on peer review to validate claims and the distinction between facts, hypotheses, and experiments. The video also covers the discovery of gravity, explaining the difference between scientific laws and theories, and highlights the process of scientific validation.

What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?

• A psychological effect related to memory retention

• A theory about the evolution of human intelligence

• A phenomenon where less knowledgeable individuals overestimate their competence

• A phenomenon where experts underestimate their knowledge

Why is peer review important in science?

• It ensures that scientific findings are kept secret

• It is a way for scientists to share personal opinions

• It allows scientists to publish their work without scrutiny

• It helps verify the accuracy and reliability of scientific research

What distinguishes a fact from an opinion in scientific terms?

• An opinion is a hypothesis that has been tested

• An opinion is based on scientific evidence

• A fact is a point of data that can be objectively verified

• A fact is a widely accepted belief

What is the role of experiments in scientific inquiry?

• To eliminate the need for peer review

• To replace theories with laws

• To test hypotheses and provide clues to explanations

• To prove hypotheses as facts

What is a hypothesis in scientific terms?

• A proven fact

• An untested opinion

• A testable explanation for a phenomenon

• A random guess

What was Newton's contribution to the understanding of gravity?

• He discovered that objects fall at different speeds

• He proposed that gravity is a force connected to mass

• He proved that gravity does not exist

• He explained the peculiarities in Mercury's orbit

How did Einstein's theory of relativity improve upon Newton's law of gravity?

• It disproved the existence of gravity

• It showed that gravity is not a force

• It suggested that gravity is stronger on larger planets

• It accounted for the peculiarities in Mercury's orbit

What is the main difference between a scientific law and a theory?

• A law explains why phenomena occur, while a theory describes how

• A law is a proven fact, while a theory is a hypothesis

• A law is a temporary explanation, while a theory is permanent

• A law describes how phenomena occur, while a theory explains why

Why can't scientific theories be proven?

• Theories are based on opinions

• Theories are too complex to understand

• Theories are meant to be disproven or modified with new evidence

• Theories are not based on facts

How does science ensure the accuracy of its knowledge?

• By avoiding peer review

• By continuously testing and correcting its theories

• By relying on individual opinions

• By accepting all hypotheses as true