PHILO 202 University of Louisiana Theories Undergo Transformation Stages Questions

I’m working on a philosophy multi-part question and need a sample draft to help me study.

For each of the following passages, determine whether it is an argument, a description, or an explanation(if you find an explanation, do not forget to say which kind it is). Clearly describe what the ‘take homemessage’ is from the passage. Provide a detailed justification for your classification of each passage.Please ensure that you make explicit any assumptions that your answers rely upon.

1) As a generalization we can say that our theories tend to be abandoned when they are no longer useful,and that they cease to be useful when they cannot predict the consequences of actions in which we areinterested better than the next best alternative. When this happens the theory is abandoned and replacedby the superior alternative. In the process of upsetting existing theories we learn new, surprising facts.– Lipsey, R. (1963), An Introduction to Positive Economics, (5th Ed.), (Weidenfield andNicolson, London), p. 14.

2) The idea of a method that contains firm, unchanging and absolutely binding principles for conductingthe business of science meets considerable difficulty when confronted with the results of historicalresearch. We find, then, that there is not a single rule, however plausible, and however firmly grounded inepistemology that is not violated at some time or other. It becomes evident that such violations are notaccidental events, they are not results of insufficient knowledge or inattention which might have beenavoided. On the contrary, we see that they are necessary for progress.– Feyerabend, P. (1975), Against Method, (3rd Ed.), (Verso, London), p. 14.

3) Miss X., fifteen years old, spent several months at the Longchamps hydro-therapy institution atBordeaux during the winter of 1883, where she was treated for convulsive attacks of chorea andejaculations of loud vulgar and obscene words. Miss X. was very intelligent, she learned the lessons givenher by her teacher with the greatest ease, and she played the piano well. She was tall and largely built. Shewas not well disciplined.– Kolb, B. and Whishaw, I. (1980), Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology, (2nd Ed.), (W. H.Freeman and Co, New York), p. 278.

Standardize the following passages, having first explicitly considered whether or not the passages containarguments. Be sure to use exactly the methods discussed in class. Make sure you clearly indicate addedpremises and conclusions in the appropriate manner. Keep an eye out for sub-arguments and any parts ofthe argument that have been omitted. Once you have completed the standardization, draw a diagram forthe argument.

6) If a band has song titles like “Uncle Sam’s on Mars”, and “Space is Deep”, then it is likely that it is aspace rock band. The band Hawkwind uses both these song titles. If a band is a space rock band, then it isnot likely that they will have many acoustic, instrumental, songs. So, if a band is a space rock band, thenthey will probably use multiple synthesizers and electric guitars with effects, as indeed Hawkwind does.

7) If an animal is a cat, then it is usually a carnivore and carnivores eat meat. At my house, we have ananimal called Onyx. Onyx looks like a cat. However, Onyx does not like meat. Instead, she likes lettuce,especially red lettuce. So, appearances notwithstanding, there is an obvious conclusion.