CS203 Chapter Notes - Chapter Assigned Readings: Defamiliarization, Broadview Press
Sears, Alan. 2005. ‘An Interesting Idea, In Theory’, in A Good Book, In Theory,
Toronto:Broadview Press, pp. 15-29.
- Theoretical thinking is about generalization, relating a new situation to an old one in
order to discern patterns and figure out what is likely to happen
- Theory allows us to explain the phenomena we observe
- Theory: supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one
based on general principles independent of the things to be explained (provides an
explanation of a phenomenon that uses some sort of broader framework of
understanding
- Opinion: a view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or
knowledge (personal)
- Fact: thing that is indisputably the case
- Theoretical debate is based on arguments that meet certain internal and external tests
(internally - argument should be consistent and coherent, externally - argument should fit
the facts, so it can predict)
- Our thoughts and actions are based on assumptions about how the world works, we act
on basis of expectations that we generate through theoretical work that is often
unconscious, generalizing from past experiences to model new situations and develop
appropriate responses
- Common sense: everyday philosophizing as opposed to conscious theoretical thinking
- A good theorist assumes every phenomenon needs explanation
- Defamiliarization: looking at things we already know as if for the first time - important
feature of theoretical thinking
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Document Summary
An interesting idea, in theory", in a good book, in theory, Theoretical thinking is about generalization, relating a new situation to an old one in order to discern patterns and figure out what is likely to happen. Theory allows us to explain the phenomena we observe. Opinion: a view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge (personal) Fact: thing that is indisputably the case. Theoretical debate is based on arguments that meet certain internal and external tests (internally - argument should be consistent and coherent, externally - argument should fit the facts, so it can predict) Common sense: everyday philosophizing as opposed to conscious theoretical thinking. A good theorist assumes every phenomenon needs explanation.
