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A psychology researcher claims that empirical data alone can resolve all ethical dilemmas in human subjects research, making the discipline of philosophy obsolete in scientific methodology. Evaluate the validity of this claim by contrasting the nature of psychological research with the core definition and scope of philosophy.
Question: A psychology researcher claims that empirical data alone can resolve all ethical dilemmas in human subjects research, making the discipline of philosophy obsolete in scientific methodology. Evaluate the validity of this claim by contrasting the nature of psychological research with the core definition and scope of philosophy.
Sample answer: The researcher's claim is invalid because it misunderstands the distinct scopes of empirical science and philosophy. Psychology uses empirical methods to observe and measure phenomena. However, philosophy is an investigation into fundamental and often general questions concerning humanity, knowledge, reality, and existence, which includes ethical frameworks. Empirical data can describe what happens during an experiment, but it cannot independently answer the fundamental philosophical question of what 'ought' to be done or what constitutes moral behavior. Therefore, philosophy remains essential for evaluating the underlying ethics and foundational assumptions of research methods.
Key points:
- Acknowledge the researcher's claim and explicitly state whether it is valid or invalid.
- Define philosophy as the investigation into fundamental and general questions about humanity, knowledge, reality, and existence.
- Distinguish between empirical data collection and philosophical or ethical inquiry.
- Conclude that empirical science still relies on philosophical foundations to address ethical and foundational questions.
Rubric: The essay should demonstrate a clear understanding of the definition of philosophy and provide a reasoned argument against the researcher's claim by contrasting empirical data with foundational inquiry.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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