Which one is first : observations or hypothesis ?

How does science work? And what's all this about quantum mechanics?

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onglob
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Which one is first : observations or hypothesis ?

Post by onglob »

As I remember one of the principles of philosophy of science is the priority of hypothesis in the sequence of hypothesis --> observation --> hypothesis --> observation . . . . . . .

But I cannot be convinced by that principle , how can a new and raw hypothesis be originated without mere observation ?

And besides , science have learned us to doubt about everything , so I think we should rely , as far as we can , on observations rather than on theories .
surreptitious57
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Re: Which one is first : observations or hypothesis ?

Post by surreptitious57 »


Observation always comes before hypothesis because hypothesis is based on observation
surreptitious57
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Re: Which one is first : observations or hypothesis ?

Post by surreptitious57 »

I Observation
2 Testable Hypothesis [ Potential Falsification ]
3 Intersubjective Consensus [ On Evidence ]
4 Peer Review In Reputable Publications
5 Hypothesis Confirmed Or Falsified Or Undetermined
6 Replication [ To Eliminate Any Potential Bias / Flaws ]
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RCSaunders
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Re: Which one is first : observations or hypothesis ?

Post by RCSaunders »

surreptitious57 wrote: Mon Sep 14, 2020 6:16 am I Observation
2 Testable Hypothesis [ Potential Falsification ]
3 Intersubjective Consensus [ On Evidence ]
4 Peer Review In Reputable Publications
5 Hypothesis Confirmed Or Falsified Or Undetermined
6 Replication [ To Eliminate Any Potential Bias / Flaws ]
Beginning with number three, this is all wrong. No scientific principle is established by consensus. If one scientist discovers oxygen is the basis of combustion, it is true, even though the consensus of the entire scientific community believes it is phlogiston.

See my post, "Science Philosophy."
onglob
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Re: Which one is first : observations or hypothesis ?

Post by onglob »

surreptitious57 wrote: Mon Sep 14, 2020 6:07 am
Observation always comes before hypothesis because hypothesis is based on observation
I quite agree , I think that the vice versa opinion is accepted in some ideological contexts ,
and I guess it's one of differences between scientific viewpoint and ideological viewpoint .

Also some reason that observations cannot be trusted as well .
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