What does it mean for a theory to be valid? All theories, even
mathematical theorems (when applied to Real World problems), are merely
different ways of looking at certain things.
> I did a paper on it for my social theory course a month ago (I got an
> A, yay :) In doing it I really did start with an open mind, but...
> well... I can't put my finger on it, but there's something that strikes
> me as 'wrong' about the whole theory.
[Deb, is your paper on your web page? <checks, can't find it> could you
put it there? I assume you didn't do it on a typewriter...]
Despite what I said above, I agree that some theories are "better" than
others. What makes a theory better? I don't know for sure, but I
suppose one of the main strong points for any theory is whether it
does what it's supposed to do. If theory X is created to "compare
human sexual practices with computer communications protocols, and thus
increase our understanding of computer communications protocols" and
it actually does increase our understanding of the protocols, then
perhaps it's a good, or even valid, theory. Another good thing is if
there are no major holes (not large holes, but important ones) in the
theory. Generality is important if the theory is supposed to be
important.
>
> Anyone out there have any comments? It just strikes me as being so...
> 'pop-theory'ish.
What's wrong with pop theory? :-)
> Just curious :>
>
> - Deb (sleeeeeep...)
WAKE UP, DEB!
Mike
timeformysecondcoffeeoftheday...
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J. Michael New Michael.New@NRC.Ca
Integrated Manufacturing Technologies Institute (613)991-4371
National Research Council of Canada home: (613)230-7783
"Star Trek transporter: the ultimate Cut and Paste"
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