HPS100H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Superstring Theory, Scientific Method
7 Apr 2016
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A theory is said to be accepted if it is taken as the best available description of its object. Object: could be physical, social, formal e. g. general relativity. A theory is said to be used if it is taken as an adequate tool for practical application e. g. newtonian classical physics, still use even if it is not the best available explanation. A theory is said to be pursued if it is considered worthy of further development e. g. when you have a vague guiding idea which is worth of further elaboration. Can use or pursue multiple ones at the same time, but can"t accept multiples. Method: a set of requirements for employment in theory assessment (not to be confused with methodology) Methodology: a set of explicitly formulated rules of theory assessment. May not have a openly formulated methodology, but have a method. Research technique: a set of procedures for theory construction.
