Scientific Knowledge

• Framework for Understanding:

  • “Logical Approach”
    • Induction vs. Deduction (Bacon vs Descartes)
    • The Problem of Induction: How to go beyond a collection of facts to new concepts?
    • The problem of Deduction: How to demonstrate that an abstract idea applies to nature?
  • “Historical Approach”
    • Normal science ? crisis ? extraordinary science (Kuhn)
      • Paradigm
      • Anomalies exist only in the context of a paradigm
      • Revolution leads to a new paradigm

• We have followed historical approach
  • Documented “Revolutions”
  • Set stage for understanding the way science worked and works in practice

Previous slide

Next slide

Back to first slide

View graphic version