HPS100H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Geocentric Model, Tychonic System, Scientific Method
18 Nov 2016
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Acceptance a theory is said to be accepted if it is taken as the best available description of its object. Two incompatible theories can be simultaneously used, pursued, but not accepted. Only one of the alternatives can be accepted at a time. Use a theory is said to be used if it is taken as an adequate tool for practical application. From the practical perspective, there is an accumulation of useful calculating tools. Old tools do not necessarily get replaced by old ones. The only requirement is that the new tool must be useful in one way or another. Pursuit a theory is said to be pursued if it is considered worthy of further development. It is hard to tell from the onset which initial idea is worthy of further elaboration and which is not. Acknowledging that the theories are incomplete, merely subjects of inquiry. It is possible to accept one theory use a different theory in practice and pursue.
