theoretical simplifications should not be brutal amputations

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Categories: Comparisons

An example of metaphor in writing about sicence:

"…it is a rule of theory construction that as many simplifications as needed are to be made at the start, relaxing them gradually and only according as they are shown to constitute too brutal amputations."

Mario Bunge

Bunge, M. (2017/1998). Philosophy of Science. Volume 1: From problem to theory (Revised ed.). Routledge.

[Please be aware that a word may have different nuances, or even a different meaning, according to context.]« Back to Index

Author: Keith

Former school and college science teacher, teacher educator, research supervisor, and research methods lecturer. Emeritus Professor of Science Education at the University of Cambridge.