HPS100H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Superstring Theory, Scientific Method, Formal Science
18 Feb 2017
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Maths: use definitions to create theorems: based on experience (take one apple, add two more and you get three; then generalize this, actually meaning of the words in the way we use them meaning it"s true by definition. Two objects always have a force between them proportional to distance and mass. How do we know this: intuitively: find real swans and observe. Note: observations - naturally occurring; experiments - artificial set-up) Cannot contradict the result of experiment or observations because they are true by definition (ie. the number theorems). All propositions of formal sciences such as maths and logic. Can contradict the result of experiments or observations. Do not hold in all possible worlds as the opposite is conceivable. Most propositions of empirical science such as physics, biology, economics since the opposite are conceivable. Absolute knowledge is broken down into two questions: Cannot come across a single contradicting observational result. Have to figure out how these propositions are justified.
