Scientific method in brief / Hugh G. Gauch, Jr.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gauch, Hugh G., Jr., 1942- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Science--Methodology.

Science.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xvii, 288 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2012.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

The fundamental principles of the scientific method are essential for enhancing perspective, increasing productivity, and stimulating innovation. These principles include deductive and inductive logic, probability, parsimony and hypothesis testing, as well as science's presuppositions, limitations, ethics and bold claims of rationality and truth. The examples and case studies drawn upon in this book span the physical, biological and social sciences; include applications in agriculture, engineering and medicine; and also explore science's interrelationships with disciplines in the humanities such as philosophy and law. Informed by position papers on science from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, National Academy of Sciences and National Science Foundation, this book aligns with a distinctively mainstream vision of science. It is an ideal resource for anyone undertaking a systematic study of scientific method for the first time, from undergraduates to professionals in both the sciences and the humanities.

Contents:

1.Introduction

Gateway into science

Controversial idea

AAAS position on method

Science as a liberal art

Benefits and challenges

Personal experience

Seven streams

Historical and future outlook

Summary

Study questions

2.Four bold claims

Rationality

Truth

Objectivity

Realism

Science and common sense

3. Brief history of truth

Most elemental question

Aristotle

Augustine

Medieval scholars

Modern scholars

Water

4.Science's contested rationality

Science's auditors

Elusive truth

Theory-laden data

Incommensurable paradigms

Empty consensus

Reactions from scientists

AAAS posture

Clear targets

5.Science's presuppositions

Historical perspective on presuppositions

PEL model of full disclosure

Implementation of presuppositions

Contents note continued: Induction lost and regained

10.Parsimony and efficiency

Historical perspective on parsimony

Preview of basic principles

Curve fitting

Crop yields

Crime rates

Explanation of accuracy gain

Philosophical reflection

11.Case studies

Philosophy

Electronic engineering

Biochemistry and pharmacology

Medicine

Sociology

Economics

Law

Discussion

12.Ethics and responsibilities

Philosophical ethics

Professional ethics

13.Science education

Typical NOS concepts

Better comprehension

Greater adaptability

Greater interest

More realism

Better researchers

Better teachers

Academic NOS concepts

14.Conclusions

Motion and rationality

Summary of scientific method

Exit questions.

Contents note continued: Science's worldview forum

Justification of knowledge claims

Review of functions

6.Science's powers and limits

Rather obvious limitations

The sciences and worldviews

Empirical method in the humanities

Individual experience and worldviews

Logical roles and diagnoses

Review of boundaries

Personal rewards from science

7.Deductive logic

Deduction and induction

Historical perspective on deduction

Propositional logic

Predicate logic

Arithmetic

Common fallacies

8.Probability

Probability concepts

Four requirements

Probability axioms

Bayes's theorem

Probability distributions

Permutations and combinations

Probability fallacies

9.Inductive logic and statistics

Historical perspective on induction

Bayesian inference

Frequentist inference

Bayesian decision

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-107-23878-1

1-107-30199-8

1-299-27639-3

1-107-30708-2

1-107-31263-9

1-107-30928-X

1-107-31483-6

1-107-25509-0

1-139-09508-0

OCLC:

820945149