I. Pseudoscience vs Science
What are Key Elements of Science?
How Can you Distinguish Science from Pseudoscience?
What are the dangers of Psuedoscience?
Bring some examples of pseudoscience into class Tomorrow
E.
Gall and
Spurzheim and Phrenology (Monism)
1.
MORAL:
Smart people do dumb things when we go beyond data
2.
Gall was
skilled neuroanatomist
3. Assumptions
Moral and intellectual functions are innate
Their exercise or manifestation depends upon the organization of the brain
The brain is the organ of all of our propensities, sentiments and faculties, i. e., tendencies, feelings and abilities
The brain is composed as many particular organs as these propensities, sentiments, and faculties, which differ essentially from each other
As the organs and their localities can be determined by observation only, it is also necessary that the form of the head or cranium should represent, in most cases, the form of the brain, and should suggest various means to ascertain the fundamental qualities and faculties, and the seat of her organs.
4. Hidden and variable assumptions
The size of the organ determines the ability or strength of that organ, e.g. a bigger calculation organ the better at calculation
Variable (depends on the phrenologist): The abilities of these organs can change with exercise.
5. Details of the Theory
6.
Reaction
to phrenology: Flourens
7.
Why did
he go so far a field?
8.
How do
these lessons apply to science today and us in this class?