HPS100H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Formal Science
4 Apr 2016
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There is proof in science, but only in the case of formal science. Even though all theories have the same problems, we value some over others. Accept- if the theory is the best available description. Use- if the theory has a practical application. We still use classical physics even though it is no longer accepted. Pursuit- if a theory is considered worthy of further elaboration. In the early 1900"s newtonian physics was being accepted, used, and pursued. You cannot accept two contrasting theories at the same time. We must judge the conflicting theories using the scientific methods. A method is an implicit set of requirements for use in theory assessment. Methodology is the socially acceptable explicitly formulated rules for assessment. A method is different from a research technique which are a set of procedures for theory construction. We must study different methods in the mosaic and examine changes over time.
