Date: Tue, 7 Jan 2003 04:49:55 -0500
Mime-Version: 1.0 (Produced by PhpWiki 1.3.2-jeffs-hacks)
Content-Type: application/x-phpwiki;
  pagename=ScientificMethod;
  flags="";
  author=VectorKharin;
  version=6;
  lastmodified=1041932995;
  author_id=VectorKharin;
  markup=2;
  hits=19050;
  charset=iso-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: binary

In 1619, Rene Descartes set down four rules for applying his method for finding truth.

      - Never accept anything for true which I do not clearly know to be such.
      - Divide each of the difficulties under examination into as many parts as possible.
      - Begin with the simplest and easiest and then work step by step to the more complex.
      - Make enumerations so complete and reviews so general that I might be assured that nothing is omitted.

In the 19th century, the method evolved into six steps, and it was only in the 20th century and the work of [KarlPopper] that it split into those we recognize today.


      - Pose a question about nature (Some would say, not necessarily as the result of an observation).
      - Collect the pertinent, observable evidence.
      - Formulate an explanatory hypothesis, defining relevant assumptions.
      - Deduce its implications.
      - Test all of the implications experimentally.
      - Accept, reject, or modify the hypothesis based upon the experimental results.
      - Define its range of applicability.
      - Peer review
      - Publish (including methodology, data and analysis)
      - Evaluation and peers continue to test, extend and challenge the hypothesis.

----

See other InterestingMemes.
