[MD] Alternatives to the scientific method

[Akshay Peshwe]

The resolution to the problem of the validity of the scientific method is
found in the idea of meta(^inf)-rules [Hofstadter, 1979].

On 7/27/07, Laycock, Jos (OSPT) <Jos.Laycock at offsol.gsi.gov.uk> wrote:
>
> Ian --
> >
> > > I was not referring to the hypothesis, but the four step
> > process itself;
> > > that is presumed common sense too, but unfounded and untestable
> > > in itself. (A meta-problem)
>
> Ham
>
> What grounds do you have for this claim?  And what would Ian Glendinning
> propose as a more efficacious alternative to the scientific method?
>
> Me:
>
> Ham, I think that by asking that question you miss your own opportunity to
> even try and come up with something, would you like to join Ian out on his
> limb and see if anything springs to mind?
>
> To re-state it:
>
> 1)Propose an explanatory hypothesis to describe the operation of a given
> system,
> 2)Invent experiments that are potentially confounding of that hypothesis
> and test it to destruction.
> 3)Repeat steps 1 & 2 iteratively until satisfied that no further
> potentially confounding experiments can be conceived of.
> 4)Write down your conclusions and show them to some other scientists.
>
> Seems reasonable enough, but the issues are:
> Why look at that particular system?
> Why test these particular hypotheses?
> What defines the operational parameters of the system? - and further,
> When science by its nature makes a requirement of impartiality, how do you
> ensure that you pursue hypothesis formulation with equal zeal as
> experimental investigation? Its like asking a lawyer to be defence and
> prosecution at the same time.
>
> So, enough negativity then, lets have some suggestions,
> Mine is as follows:
>
>
> "Test everything"
> Random/Chaotic hypothesis formulations are made by a supercomputer SC1
> based on a dataset of all available data. These are constantly "tested" by
> an adversarial supercomputer SC2, and the results of SC2 are fed back to SC1
> as further information on which to base new hypotheses.
> Communications between computers 1 & 2 is monitored by 3rd independent
> supercomputer which maps the iterations and extrapolates from the developing
> patterns to predict end points. These are also fed back to SC1, and the
> communications between SC3 and SC1 are monitored and mapped by you guessed
> it SC4 etc.....
>
> The logical operations of SC2, 3 and 4 etc... need to be defined and I
> suggest using a further independent supercomputer to use genetic algorithms
> to define the logic of the other computers pragmatically from the results of
> their own early experiments, constantly refreshing them with "new best
> logics" as it refines them.
>
> So the whole thing would create layers of patterns of information, and
> define sets of pragmatic rules to operate at each level, generating no
> answers at all, but instead setting out the available data in one large
> ordered pattern allowing an observer to......
>
> oh.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> This e-mail (and any attachment) is intended only for the attention of the
> addressee(s). Its unauthorised use, disclosure, storage or copying is not
> permitted. If you are not the intended recipient, please destroy all copies
> and inform the sender by return e-mail.
>
> This e-mail (and any attachment) is intended only for the attention of the
> addressee(s). Its unauthorised use, disclosure, storage or copying is not
> permitted. If you are not the intended recipient, please destroy all copies
> and inform the sender by return e-mail.
>
> This e-mail (whether you are the sender or the recipient) may be
> monitored, recorded and retained by the Ministry of Justice. E-mail
> monitoring / blocking software may be used, and e-mail content may be read
> at any time. You have a responsibility to ensure laws are not broken when
> composing or forwarding e-mails and their contents.
>
> The original of this email was scanned for viruses by the Government
> Secure Intranet Anti-Virus service supplied by Cable&Wireless in partnership
> with MessageLabs. (CCTM Certificate Number 2006/04/0007.) On leaving the GSi
> this email was certified virus free.
> Communications via the GSi may be automatically logged, monitored and/or
> recorded for legal purposes.
> Moq_Discuss mailing list
> Listinfo, Unsubscribing etc.
> http://lists.moqtalk.org/listinfo.cgi/moq_discuss-moqtalk.org
> Archives:
> http://lists.moqtalk.org/pipermail/moq_discuss-moqtalk.org/
> http://moq.org.uk/pipermail/moq_discuss_archive/
>