Based on the discussion we have had over the last several weeks (well, a
few of us have had, at least), I propose the following tentative
definition of "science" as a first step in my attempt to distinguish
between scientific activities and those activities that we might wish to
excude from science. I have been much influenced by Laudan's discussion
of science; but I also have been influenced by Jim Clark's criticisms of
this discussion. I plan to give more attention to this topic in the
future.
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What is science?
A group of activities designed to lead to the development of reliable
knowledge claims about natural events (events that are either directly
observed or inferred from observations). These activities primarily
involve observing natural events and interpreting these observations as
evidence that either supports or fails to support knowledge claims. In
gathering this empirical evidence, attempts are made to control for
known or suspected sources of error both in making observations and in
interpreting them with regard to the knowledge claims. There are two
ultimate goals for these activities: (1) the understanding (in terms of
causes) of the natural events being investigated and (2) the
modification of either these natural events or other events associated
with them.
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In this defintiion, I have placed the doctrine of naturalism at the
center of the definition. The controversy, as I see it now, would be
focused primarily on this statement: "In gathering this empirical
evidence, attempts are made to control for known or suspected sources of
error both in making observations and in interpreting them with regard
to the knowledge claims." Different people would have very different
ideas about what are adequate controls because they would have different
opinions about the known or suspected sources of error.
Well, I need to get back to work, now.
Jeff
--
Jeffry P. Ricker, Ph.D. Office Phone: (480) 423-6213
9000 E. Chaparral Rd. FAX Number: (480) 423-6298
Psychology Department [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale, AZ 85256-2626
"The truth is rare and never simple."
Oscar Wilde
"Science must begin with myths and with the criticism of myths"
Karl Popper
