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Experimental Philosophy: A Methodological Critique
Author(s) -
Woolfolk Robert L.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
metaphilosophy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.475
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1467-9973
pISSN - 0026-1068
DOI - 10.1111/meta.12016
Subject(s) - credibility , reliability (semiconductor) , epistemology , quality (philosophy) , experimental philosophy , management science , psychology , engineering ethics , sociology , western philosophy , philosophy , engineering , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics
This article offers a critique of research practices typical of experimental philosophy. To that end, it presents a review of methodological issues that have proved crucial to the quality of research in the biobehavioral sciences. It discusses various shortcomings in the experimental philosophy literature related to (1) the credibility of self‐report questionnaires, (2) the validity and reliability of measurement, (3) the adherence to appropriate procedures for sampling, random assignment, and handling of participants, and (4) the meticulousness of study reporting. It argues that the future standing of experimental philosophy will hinge upon improvements in research methods.