[MD] Alternatives to the scientific method

[David M]

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