Hi all,
In the spirit of new year's reflections, I'm seeking recommendations for
your favorite papers on "the scientific method," and historical
methods in particular. I plan to use several in an introductory
historical geology/geobiology course that includes many
non-science-majors, and would prefer ones that are short, of a general
nature, and a "classic". Although the books (i.e.,
Popper, Kuhn) are also great, they'll be of less use to me
currently.
Examples include:
Chamberlain, T.C. 1965 (reprinted from 1890). The method of
multiple working hypotheses. Science 148: 754-759.
Platt, J.R. 1964. Strong inference. Science 146:
347-353.
Cleland, C.E. 2001. Historical science, experimental science,
and the scientific method. Geology 27: 987-990.
Aside from the latter article, I have had a difficult time tracking down
those that explicitly discuss historical methods (or that don't downright
disparage them as unworthy of science, the "stamp-collector"
mentality). Any recommendations for these are especially
encouraged.
Apologies for cross-posting.
Thanks,
Phil
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Phil
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pnovackg@westga.edu
Assistant
Professor
Department of
Geosciences
"Do not be too moral. You
may cheat
State University of West
Georgia
yourself out of much of life.
Aim above
Carrollton,
GA
morality. Be not simply good;
be good
30118-3100
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Phone:
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-- H.D. Thoreau
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