On Mon, 18 Dec 1995, Jim Michmerhuizen wrote:
> I've said before, only half joking, that science depends, crucially and
> critically, on bad logic: trying to reason backward from consequence to
> antecedent. This can help me to choose between conflicting theories; it
> cannot generate theories. But for centuries now the popular stereotype of
> scientific research has been just that: scientists research into facts and
> learn theories from facts. The discipline of science teaches us to be
> "objective". Bunk.
I'll mention again what is to me a delightful discovery -- Micahel Polanyi
writes beautifully about the popular stereotype that Jim mentions above...
and how far this is from the real practice of science.
Polanyi says that theories do not come from the data but are an assertion
by someone, an expression of belief, commitment and real interest... and
that making new theory is a creative act.
I recounted a nice story from Polanyi about Einstein in my Nov. msg LO3689
which can be found on the web at
<http://world.std.com/~lo/95.11/0130.html>
My reference is: Michael Polanyi, _Personal Knowledge_, Univ. of Chicago
Press, 1958. ISBN 0-226-67288-3 (paperback).
--
Richard Karash ("Rick") | <http://world.std.com/~rkarash>
Speaker, Facilitator, Trainer | email: rkarash@karash.com
Towards Learning Organizations | Host for Learning-Org Mailing List
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