Competing-Method Choice in Science
The literature on scientific choice is vast, with much of it dedicated to how scientists choose amongst competing theories. Coverage of methodological choice in science is less extensive, though by no means nonexistent. Perhaps this relative neglect is due to the enduring prevalence of “the” scientific method as a concept. Even though we know upon reflection that the concept is indefensible—no one can give both an authoritative and a precise account of what “the” scientific method is—the concept may still be influencing our thoughts and attention.
Here I discuss competing-method choice. According to Kuhn, the traditional set of five major criteria for evaluating scientific theories in moments of competing-theory choice are: accuracy, consistency, scope, simplicity, and fruitfulness. Competing-method choice uses a somewhat different set. When assessing candidate methodologies in moments of competing-method choice, scientists assess such methods according to the criteria of: fruitfulness, salience, useability, potency, and reliability.
Venue: Byrne House, Streatham Campus
Virtual: via Zoom
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