| The last stage of activity under the scientific method surrounds the presentation of the theory to the scientific community. Until one of the scientists formulates the theory and then broadcasts this fact, there are few persons for whom it may serve as a useful accessory for viewing the world. After the theory is born, it should blossom and attract the attention of more scientists. Included in the life cycle of a scientific theory is the long period during which it manages to survive the pruning brought about by critical examination. Characteristic of the best theory is its endurance through each new generation of insightful scientists and writers, who continue to find new ways to present it as a fresh way to understand the world. |
Social paradigms.In 1962 the philosopher of science, Thomas Kuhn, made a sociological buzz-word out of paradigm in its more general nonlinguistic sense (cf. Kuhn, Thomas. 1962). For him social paradigms are simply traditional ways of looking at the world. He pointed out how paradigms become ingrained in large portions of society. Scientific theories that hold an appeal to society evolve into paradigms, but to do so they must possess certain features. Paradigms are self-consistent and logically sound. They are accurate and agree with everyone’s experience. Society also requires that its paradigms be simple, yet comprehensive, so that they bring together into one system many disparate phenomena. The best one can hope for is that the new theory will open up the human mind in new directions, to see new relationships and better possibilities. Then through analogy and other modes of thought future investigators ought to be able to apply it in other areas of study. |
Building understanding.The associated figure 5 enlarges on the metaphor introduced in the section on observation. The idea is that when we present the results of our investigations, we are attempting to increase understanding. It is our view that knowledge will forever be incomplete, as will the basis of that knowledge. There seems to be no way to expurgate our culture of all vestiges of mythical elements in favor of the logical. In addition there are many forms and may ways to present that knowledge: many pilars resting on those foundations. Nevertheless, the chief motivation for pressing forward seems to be the faith that something good will come from all our efforts. |
