Science 240. Fall 1998.

Lecture #2 Outline: Theories.

F Sept. 4

I. What Is a Theory , in Kosso's Sense of the Word?

1. Kosso's definition (especially p. 15)
2. My proposal
3. Examples of statements that aren't a theory:
4. Do the following Examples Qualify as Theories?
   • All dogs are meat eaters.
   • All electrons have negative charge.
   • An electron just passed through this wire.
5. What use of the word "theory" does Kosso reject and why?
6. Theory systems.

   E.g. Newton's theory of mechanics: 4 laws which function together as a unit in giving explanations of the motions of objects and planets. They are linked by shared concepts.

II. The Importance and Function of theories in science.

Using Newton's theory of mechanics as an example, let's explore what this theory contributes to science.

1. I can identify 6 different kinds of contributions.
2. What would Science be like without theories?

III. Some Important Types of Theory

1. Imaging theories or bridge principles. Important in the context of a theory system.
   1. Definition and examples
   2. Why Imaging theories are important
2. Hypothesis.

IV. The Uncertainty Inherent In Theoretical claims.

1. Two sources of uncertainty
2. Important to distinguish between justification and evidence vs. truth and falsehood
   • In the Lion King movie, Pumba's claim that the stars are balls of hot gases millions of miles away.
   • Claim made 1000 years ago that disease is caused by tiny living things. These theories were true but unjustified.
   • Claim made 500 years ago that the earth was at rest. False but justified.