Question

Suppose that a proponent of ESP claims that ESP shows up only when the vibrations are right and there is no way to know whether the vibrations are right except to see whether ESP shows up. From a scientific standpoint, what was wrong with this theory?

a) It relies on empirical evidence to support the claim.
b) It lacks testable hypotheses and falsifiability.
c) It is based on established scientific principles.
d) It follows the scientific method rigorously.

Answer 1

The theory that ESP depends on 'correct vibrations' is scientifically flawed due to a lack of testable hypotheses and falsifiability, failing to meet empirical evidence standards essential for scientific validation. Option B is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theory that ESP only shows up when the vibrations are right and that there is no way to know whether the vibrations are right except to see whether ESP shows up is from a scientific standpoint considered flawed because b) It lacks testable hypotheses and falsifiability.

Scientific theories must be based on empirical evidence and require the ability to be tested through experimentation or observations. The claim that ESP depends on 'correct vibrations' is non-testable because it sets up an unfalsifiable condition - the ESP won't show if the vibrations aren't right, and there is no independent way to assess whether the vibrations are right apart from the occurrence of ESP.

This leads to circular reasoning and does not meet the standards of empirical hypothesis testing that demand falsifiability and reproducibility.

For a hypothesis to be scientifically valid, the proposed explanation must be able to be tested and proven false if it indeed is incorrect. A true empirical hypothesis enables us to anticipate experience and is confirmed through observation. Scientific explanations require testability, must be based on objective observations, and must be subject to potential falsification.