An essay by Stephen Jay Gould that I have found useful is from 'Natural
History' for April 1982, titled 'Worm for a Century, and all Seasons' -
republished in 'Hen's Teeth and Horse's Toes'. It outlines three
important techniques in historical science, using examples from
Darwin's writings.
Phil Bock
Phil Novack-Gottshall wrote:
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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morality. Be not simply good;
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Phil Bock
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Bryozoa Home Page http://www.civgeo.rmit.edu.au/bryozoa/default.html
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