HPS100H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Geocentric Model
7 Dec 2016
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Use- a theory is said to be used if it is taken as an adequate tool for practical application. Pursuit- a theory is said to be pursued if it is considered worthy of further development a vague idea that needs further elaboration. Used: (some) general relativity and (some) quantum physics, however in practical applications classical physics is used. Pursued: superstring theory- not yet accepted because not current best description of reality. Rare to have same theory same for all a, u, p. Uses and pursuit not as important in retrospect to acceptance. Two incompatible theories can be simultaneously used, pursued, but not accepted. Only one of the alternatives can be accepted at all times. How do we decide which theory is the best available description of its object? scienti c method allows us to weight theories given the available evidence. Method- a set of requirements for employment in theory assessment (implicit expectations, gut theories)
