Test on International Relations as Science

Question 1: There is a distinct 'post-positivist' philosophy of science that unifies all non-positivist approaches in International Relations.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials explicitly state that the label 'post-positivism' to classify all non-positivist approaches is misleading, 'since no such thing as a “post-positivist” philosophy of science exists'.

Question 2: According to the study materials, what primarily unites most different approaches to International Relations regarding their understanding of science?

A. The adoption of positivism as the sole scientific method for studying international politics.

B. A rejection of the very idea that scientific knowledge is possible in the study of international politics.

C. An understanding of science as a systematic inquiry that employs method for the purpose of gaining knowledge about international politics.

D. The belief that International Relations cannot and should not be considered a science.

Explanation: The study materials state that 'What unites most different approaches to IR is an understanding of science as a systematic inquiry that employs method for the purpose of gaining knowledge about international politics.' While positivism has been dominant, and debates exist about IR as a science, this specific definition is presented as the common unifying understanding.

Question 3: From a phenomenalist viewpoint, physical objects exist for the observer as things in themselves, independent of perception.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Phenomenalism, which is the ontological view of positivist science, states that physical objects do not exist for the observer 'as things in themselves', but only as perceptual phenomena. Reality itself is only a representation empirically mediated by sensual experience.

Question 4: According to the study materials, which of the following accurately describe the inductive-statistical model of explanation?

A. Explanations for an event fall under a statistical law.

B. Its laws are established by inferring from single events to a general law.

C. It is used to show how, given the established law, a specific event is highly likely.

D. It is also known as the 'covering law model' or 'subsumption theory'.

Explanation: The inductive-statistical model of explanation states that explanations for an event fall under a statistical law. These statistical laws are established inductively, meaning by inferring from single events to a general law, going from the concrete to the abstract. This model is then used to show how, given the established law, a specific event is highly likely. The 'covering law model' or 'subsumption theory' refers to the general law (nomos) model, not the inductive-statistical model itself, which complements it.

Question 5: In Plato's theory of forms, reality consists of non-material, abstract forms or ideas rather than the material world known through the senses.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Plato’s theory of forms (or theory of ideas) states that reality consists of non-material, abstract forms or ideas and not the material world known to us through the senses. For Plato, ideas and forms (the universals) exist and are real.