15. QUESTIONS FOR ORIGINAL THOUGHT AND INVESTIGATION.
(1) “Land and sea breezes are due to a difference in temperature.” Is this a fact or a law? Explain your position.
(2) Give three different definitions of induction. Which one have you adopted? Defend your position.
(3) Define and illustrate observation.
(4) Distinguish between observation and attention.
(5) “In observation we find, in experiment we make.” What is meant by this?
(6) Give illustrations of falsehood due to careless observation.
(7) Argue for and against the use of “expectant attention” in observation.
(8) “Nine-tenths of what we see comes from within.” Do you believe this? Labor the question.
(9) Offer suggestions which, if followed, should lead to scientific observation.
(10) “One must be just before he is sympathetic.” Relate this to the fine art of accurate observation.
(11) Is an hypothesis a generalization? Explain.
(12) Give school room examples of hypotheses which lead to injustice.
(13) “An hypothesis is merely a tentative induction.” Make clear this assertion.
(14) Illustrate inconceivable hypotheses by drawing on your knowledge of ancient history.
(15) “Prejudice and willful blindness to truth have ever been imminent stumbling blocks in the path of progress.” Expatiate upon this.
(16) Are the hypotheses advanced concerning communications from the spiritual world capable of proof or disproof? Give reasons.
(17) Show by historical examples the use of discarded hypotheses.
(18) “Genius is another name for hard work.” Do you agree? Defend your position.
(19) “The man to whom nothing ever occurs is unlikely to make any important discoveries.” Discuss this.