Knowledge Framework Natural Sciences

Knowledge Framework Natural Sciences
Methodology
General Framework Questions
what are the methods or procedures used in
the area?
how these methods generates knowledge?
What are assumptions underlying these
methods
What counts as a fact?
What role do models play?
what ethical thinking limits the methods
use?
Specific AOK Ideas
measurement involves interaction with the
world
can sometimes change aspect of the world
models are important
classification is a central idea
methods employed use
reason and sense perception
Historical Development
General Framework Questions
What is the significance of the key points in
historical development in the AOK?
how has the history of this area led to its
current form
Specific AOK Ideas
pivotal shifts of thinking in the development
of the natural sciences
Scope/Applications
General Framework Questions
what is about?
what practical problems can be solved?
what are important questions currently
unanswered?
are there any ethical considerations that
limit the scope?
Specific AOK Ideas
a system of knowledge of the natural world
based on observation
constructed using reason and imagination
shared knolwedge
often shared by large grouping
geographically spread
largely independent of culture
prediction important feature
understanding is a prime purpose
interested in producing generalised (about
natural world) :
statements
principles
scientific laws
laws are casual
e.g if event a happens then event b will
happen as a result
Concepts/Language
General Framework Quetstions
What role does language play?
What are the roles of the key concepts and
terms that provide the building blocks?
What metaphors are appropriate?
What is the role of convention in this area?
Specific AOK Ideas
many laws in natural sciences are stated
using language of MATHEMATICS
language in science is PRECISE
to eliminate ambiguity
Links to Personal Knowledge
General Framework Questions
Why is this area significant to the individual?
what is the nature of the contribution of
individuals?
what responsibilities rest upon the
individual knower by virtue of the
knowledge?
what are the implications of this AOK for the
individual's perspective?
what assumptions underlie the individual's
approach?
Specific AOK Ideas
gives a view of ourselves
as material entities behaving according to
universal laws
little space here to see ourselves as rational,
free agents, with desires and ability to
choose
individuals have contributed in revolutionary
ways
use of imagination, intuition and emotions
in creation of hypotheses
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