HPS100H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Geocentric Model, Superstring Theory, Spheroid
25 Sep 2017
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Accepted examples: general relativity, quantum physics, best examples of physical processes. Two incompatible theories can be simultaneously used, pursued, but not accepted. Only one of the alternatives can be accepted at a time. Use a theory is used if it is taken as an adequate tool for practical application. Used examples: some general relativity, some quantum physics, classical physics, even though we no longer believe that is provides the best available description of reality. It is hard to tell which ideas are worthy of elaboration. Years back, newtonian physics was an example of all three. 400 years ago, aristotelian-medieval natural philosophy and cosmology was accepted. We need a method or appraisal to tell us which theory is better, based on the evidence. Method = a set of requirements (criteria, rules, standards, etc) for employment in theory assessment (evaluation, appraisal, comparison, etc). these are the actual (implicit) expectations of the scientific community).
