HPS100H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Superstring Theory, Fundamental Interaction, Scientific Method
1 Nov 2016
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Document Summary
While all theories in empirical science are fallible, we still believe that some theories are better than others. A theory is said to be accepted if it is taken as the best available description of its object. The object could be something physical (e. g. falling apple, revolving planet), something social (e. g. object could be something physical (e. g. falling apple, revolving planet), something social (e. g. a group of people, social institutions), etc. A theory is said to be in use if it is taken as an adequate tool for practical application, regardless of whether it is accepted or not. A theory is said to be pursued if it is considered worthy of further development, regardless of whether it is accepted or whether there is any use for it at that moment. Two incompatible theories can be simultaneously used, pursued but not accepted. Only one of the alternatives can be accepted at a time.
