The Structure of Scientific Inference
It is widely believed that the methods of science somehow “prove” scientific facts. You hear reference to “scientific proof” in the news media, and even scientists will use the word “proof” informally to describe a very strong set of evidence.
Some theories, such as the theory of gravity,
F = M * m * G / x^2
(Force equals mass of the object, times the mass of the second object, times the gravitational constant, divided by the square of the distance)
are so reliable that we say that this theory “explains” the fact, as if this theory were an inherent property of nature, and not just our assumptions about it.… Read More...