Methodology
Inductive method
- From the specific to the general.
- Example: sun rises in east mon, tues, & wed predict: sun will rise in east thursday
- Used by Aristotle to develop knowledge of physics
- Importance in science - see e.g., Sir Francis Bacon (1561 - 1626)
Deductive method
- From the general to the specific.
- Example: Physics 150 meets Mon & Wed Today is Wednesday Conclusion: Physics 150 meets today
- Used by Plato to analyze questions
- Importance in science - see e.g., Rene Descartes (1596 - 1650)