True scientific method is open-minded, self-critical, flexible. Scientists are, in short, not as reasonable as they would like to think themselves. The great scientists are often true exceptions; they are nearly always attacked by their colleagues for their revolutionary ideas, not by using the standards of reason, but just by appealing to prejudices then current. Being reasonable takes great skill and great sensitivity to the difference between “well-supported” and “widely accepted.” It also takes great courage, because it seldom corresponds to being popular. div{float:left;margin-right:10px;} div.wpmrec2x div.u > div:nth-child(3n){margin-right:0px;} ]]> Advertisements
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Lars Pålsson Syll considers the following as important: Theory of Science & Methodology
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True scientific method is open-minded, self-critical, flexible. Scientists are, in short, not as reasonable as they would like to think themselves. The great scientists are often true exceptions; they are nearly always attacked by their colleagues for their revolutionary ideas, not by using the standards of reason, but just by appealing to prejudices then current. Being reasonable takes great skill and great sensitivity to the difference between “well-supported” and “widely accepted.” It also takes great courage, because it seldom corresponds to being popular.