The Idea of a Logic of Discovery

Is there such a thing as a ‘Logic of Discovery’? Do we even have a consistent idea of such a thing? The approved answer to this seems to be “No.” Thus Popper argues ( The Logic of Scientific Discovery ) “The initial stage, the act of conceiving or inventing a theory, seems to me neither to call for logical analysis nor to be susceptible of it.” (p. 31.) Again, “... there is no such thing as a logical method of having new ideas, or a logical reconstruction of this process.” (p. 32.) Reichenbach writes that philosophy of science “... cannot be concerned with [reasons for suggesting hypotheses], but only with [reasons for accepting hypotheses].” ( Experience and Prediction , p. 382.) Braithwaite elaborates: “The solution of these historical problems involves the individual psychology of thinking and the sociology of thought. None of these questions are our business here.” ( Scientific Explanation , pp. 20, 21

Cognitive science · Epistemology · Karl popper · Logical conjunction · Logical consequence · Logical reasoning · Philosophy of science · Process (computing) · Scientific discovery · Computer Science · Philosophy · Philosophy and History of Science · Psychology

• Beyond Divorce

  Open Access•Thomas Nickles•Philosophy of Science•1985

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