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A factor is a number or algebraic expression that divides another number or expression evenly, without leaving a remainder. In mathematics, understanding factors is crucial for simplifying expressions, solving equations, and analyzing number properties.
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Empiricism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the role of sensory experience and evidence from the senses in the formation of ideas, rather than innate ideas or traditions. It is fundamental to the scientific method, which relies on observation and experimentation to acquire knowledge.
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The scientific method is a systematic approach to inquiry that relies on empirical evidence, observation, and experimentation to formulate and test hypotheses. It is fundamental to scientific research, ensuring that conclusions are based on reproducible and objective findings rather than subjective beliefs.
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Logical Positivism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the early 20th century, asserting that meaningful statements are either empirically verifiable or analytically true. It emphasizes the use of logic and scientific method in philosophy, rejecting metaphysics and traditional philosophical problems as meaningless.
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The verification principle is a philosophical doctrine asserting that a statement is only meaningful if it can be empirically verified or is analytically true. It was central to logical positivism, challenging metaphysical and religious claims as cognitively meaningless due to their lack of empirical testability.
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Phenomenalism is a philosophical theory which posits that physical objects do not exist independently of our perception of them, but rather are collections of sensory experiences. It suggests that statements about the physical world can be translated into statements about possible experiences, emphasizing the primacy of perception in understanding reality.
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Reductionism is an approach in philosophy and science that attempts to understand complex systems by breaking them down into their simpler, constituent parts. While it can provide clarity and insight, critics argue that it may overlook emergent properties and the holistic nature of complex systems.
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Anti-metaphysics challenges the validity and relevance of metaphysical inquiries, arguing that such questions are either meaningless or beyond the scope of human understanding. It emphasizes empirical evidence and logical analysis over speculative reasoning about the nature of reality.
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Objectivity refers to the practice of maintaining impartiality and neutrality in analysis, judgment, and reporting, free from personal biases, emotions, or external influences. It is crucial for ensuring credibility and reliability in fields like journalism, science, and law, where unbiased information is essential for informed decision-making.
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Falsifiability is a principle in the philosophy of science that asserts a hypothesis or theory must be inherently disprovable before it can be considered scientifically valid. It serves as a demarcation criterion to distinguish scientific theories from non-scientific ones by ensuring that predictions made by a theory can be tested and potentially proven false.
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Naturalism is a philosophical viewpoint that suggests everything arises from natural properties and causes, and supernatural or spiritual explanations are excluded or discounted. This perspective is often associated with the belief that the scientific method is the most reliable means of understanding the world.
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Objectivity in history refers to the pursuit of truth and impartiality in the recording and interpretation of historical events, aiming to minimize personal bias and cultural influence. However, complete objectivity is often deemed unattainable due to the subjective nature of source selection, interpretation, and the historian's own context.
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Empirical reality refers to the aspect of reality that can be observed and measured through sensory experience and experimentation. It is the foundation of scientific inquiry, emphasizing the importance of evidence and observation in understanding the world.
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Emic and etic perspectives are two complementary approaches to understanding cultural phenomena, where the emic perspective focuses on insider viewpoints and cultural specifics, while the etic perspective emphasizes external, objective analysis and comparison across cultures. Together, they provide a holistic understanding of cultural contexts, balancing subjective experiences with cross-cultural generalizations.
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A research paradigm is a framework that guides how research is conducted, encompassing the underlying philosophy, methods, and techniques used to gather and analyze data. It influences the researcher's approach to inquiry and shapes the interpretation and presentation of findings.
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Scientific naturalism is a philosophical stance that posits the natural world and its laws are all that exist, rejecting supernatural explanations. It emphasizes empirical evidence and the scientific method as the primary means of understanding the universe.
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The fact-value distinction is a fundamental concept in philosophy that separates statements about what is (facts) from statements about what ought to be (values). This distinction is crucial for understanding ethical reasoning, scientific inquiry, and the limits of empirical evidence in guiding moral decisions.
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