UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS
May/June 2025
PLS2607
Philosophy of Science
100 Marks
Duration 3 Hours
EXAMINERS:
FIRST: MS S.P. NDLOVU
PROF. C.D. SCOTT
SECOND: MR P.T. DELPORT
This paper consists of THREE (3) pages.
Instructions:
i. This is a “take home”, open book examination. You have 3 hours to complete it.
ii. Take note that this examination is invigilated using the Invigilator App. Please refer to P. 2 of
this question paper for more information.
iii. TurnItIn will be used to determine similarity indexes of scripts and whether AI Applications have
been used.
iv. Do not use large language model Artificial Intelligence applications such as ChatGPT,
Meta AI, etc., in the construction of your examination answer script.
v. Do not copy work from anyone else or from any other source.
vi. All sources utilised in the construction of your essays must be properly referenced using the
Harvard Referencing Method both within the text of each essay and included in a bibliography
at the end of each essay. Plagiarism will be dealt with according to the rules of the
University.
vii. This examination consists of four essay topics. Complete any two of the four essay topics of
your choice.
viii. Each essay should be between 500-1000 words in length.
ix. Type your name, student number and the module code on your examination script. Also
number your answers correctly.
x. Please type your examination.
xi. Your examination script should be uploaded in PDF format.
xii. Your examination script should be uploaded on the CHS myExams Tool
(https://chs.myexams.unisa.ac.za/) within the allocated time. Please submit only one version of
your examination script and ensure that your examination script comprises of just one
document.
xiii. Take a screenshot of your confirmation of submission as evidence of your submission.
PLS2607
May/June 2025
CONFIDENTIAL
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PLS2607
May/June 2025
Please ensure you adhere to the instructions on Pp. 1-2.
Answer any TWO (2) of the following topics in the form of an essay:
1. “Paul Feyerabend forms a foundation for the advent of theories of philosophy
of science that have revolutionary impetuses. Among these we could include
Feminist Philosophy of Science and African Philosophy of Science.”
In an essay, describe why Feyerabend’s rejection of method could be
interpreted in this way. In your response, ensure that you adequately explain
Feyerabend’s approach and provide an indication supported by argument as
to whether you find Feyerabend’s approach plausible. (50)
2. Can inductivism be classed as a reliable epistemic route to knowledge? Argue
in support of your answer. (50)
3. Anomalies – that is, instances of experiences that do not fit with theoretical
propositions – play a key role in scientific theories, both for their rejection and
for their survival. In an essay, define “anomalies”, and consider how Karl
Popper, Thomas Kuhn, and Imre Lakatos each dealt with the “problem” of
anomalies in their philosophical understandings of science. (50)
4. Define “Logical Positivism” and then explain the following of its foundational
principles:
• the verifiability principle;
• the logical structure of scientific theories;
• the meaning of probability.
For each principle, provide a critical discussion from your own perspective. (50)
Total: 50 marks x 2 essays = [100] marks
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Unisa 2025
CONFIDENTIAL
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