Theme 1: Theory of science

1. Russell introduces the notion sense data when he describes human perception of psychical objects. He mean that our perception of the object is related to our sensations such as color, sounds, smells etc. This can differ from person to person, though it is depending on personal experience.  Even if a group of people look at the same object the outcome of what they see will differ in shape, color etc. Their knowledge and experience from before, the angle they stand from and many other aspects will have an important role in their perception of the object. Everyone has a unique perception of what an object is and how they define it and how they distinguish it from other objects.

2. Proposition is explanation of an idea or an object based on the persons own beliefs about the thing, where the statement can either be right or false.

Statement of fact is according to Russell a statement that is more reliable. The reliability of the statement can be measured by number of people that considers the statement valid, but it does not necessarily make the statement correct.

The difference between them is the value of truth that is given them, where statement of fact is more reliable in sense of truth.

3. According to Russell there are two ways of description, ambiguous and definite description.  An ambiguous description will be in the form of  “a so and so” such as “a man” while a definite description will give us “the so and so” which will be “the man with the iron mask”. This provides a better understanding of the object instead of having a general view.

4.How can we know if a statement is true or false? Russell explains that it is difficult to know if a statement is true or false. You can believe that the knowledge you have on specific information is true but you can never be certain that it is actually true.