[MD] Alternatives to the scientific method

[pholden at davtv.com]

Quoting David M <davidint at blueyonder.co.uk>:

> Hi Jos/Platt
> 
> Platt said:
> 
> By and large science looks for "mechanisms," not entities 
> capable of  expressing choices.
> 
> DM: Here is the heart of the matter but I ask why should this
> be a problem? Mechanism only implies a pattern where there
> is only one possible outcome, all other forms of behaviour have
> many possible outcomes and where we can ascribe a purpose
> in selecting certain outcomes over others we call this life or agency.

It's a problem because of its limits. A Beethoven sonata is a lot more
than sound waves striking an ear drum, a Homer watercolor a lot more than
pigment on paper. 

> Of course, science has moved on from its devotion to mechanism
> as Jos says, quantum theory being the science of the possible par
> excellence.

Quantum theory is limited to the very small and leaves many questions unanswered.
As Pirsig wrote, "So today we have have as a result a theory of evolution in which
'man' is ruthlessly controlled by the cause-and-effect laws of the universe while
the particles of his body are not. The absurdity of this seems to be neglected." 
(Lila, 11)

Platt
   

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