Scorzato, Luigi (2015) A simple model of scientific progress - with examples. [Preprint]

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Abstract

One of the main goals of scientific research is to provide a description of the empirical data which is as accurate and comprehensive as possible, while relying on as few and simple assumptions as possible. In this paper, I propose a definition of the notion of few and simple assumptions that is not affected by known problems. This leads to the introduction of a simple model of scientific progress that is based only on empirical accuracy and conciseness. An essential point in this task is the understanding of the role played by measurability in the formulation of a scientific theory. This is the key to prevent artificially concise formulations. The model is confronted here with many possible objections and with challenging cases of real progress. Although I cannot exclude that the model might have some limitations, it includes all the cases of genuine progress examined here, and no spurious one. In this model, I stress the role of the state of the art, which is the collection of all the theories that are the only legitimate source of scientific predictions. Progress is a global upgrade of the state of the art.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Scorzato, Luigi luigi@scorzato.it
Additional Information:	Extended version (with examples) of the paper: Scorzato, L. (2016). ”A simple model of scientific progress”. In L. Felline, F. Paoli, and E. Rossanese (Eds.), New Developments in Logic and Philosophy of Science, Volume 3 of SILFS. College Publications.
Keywords:	measurability, simplicity, scientific progress, scientific theories, theory selection
Subjects:	General Issues > Experimentation General Issues > Reductionism/Holism General Issues > Structure of Theories General Issues > Theory Change General Issues > Theory/Observation General Issues > Values In Science
Depositing User:	Dr. Luigi Scorzato
Date Deposited:	03 Apr 2016 18:57
Last Modified:	03 Apr 2016 18:57
Item ID:	12024
Subjects:	General Issues > Experimentation General Issues > Reductionism/Holism General Issues > Structure of Theories General Issues > Theory Change General Issues > Theory/Observation General Issues > Values In Science
Date:	3 June 2015
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/12024

Available Versions of this Item

• From measurability to a model of scientific progress. (deposited 07 Jun 2015 14:17)
  • A simple model of scientific progress - with examples. (deposited 03 Apr 2016 18:57) [Currently Displayed]

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