Nicolae Sfetcu
2019
Allan Franklin and Slobodan Perovic, in Experiment in Physics[7], state that theories in science in general, and in physics in particular, are confirmed (temporarily) by experiments that verify the assertions and predictions of theories, thus laying the groundwork for scientific knowledge. Francis Bacon was the first to support the concept of a crucial experiment, which can decide the validity of a hypothesis or theory. Later, Newton argued that scientific theories are directly induced by experimental results and observations, excluding untested hypotheses. Hobbes stated, on the contrary, that human reason preceded experimental techniques, criticizing Boyle's optimism about the role of the experimental method[8]. In the 20th century, logical positivism separates observational deductions from theoretical ones. Thomas Kuhn and Paul Feyerabend criticized this view, saying that all experiments are based on a theoretical framework and therefore cannot independently confirm a theory[9]. Ian Hacking agreed with this idea, but says the comments remain reliable through independent confirmations. In the case of a single viable experimental system, Allan Franklin and Slobodan Perovic propose specific strategies for validating the observation, which, together with Hacking's strategy, constitute an epistemology of the experiment: Experimental verification and calibration, with the help of known phenomena. Reproduction of previously known artifacts. Elimination of plausible sources of error and alternative explanations of the result ("Sherlock Holmes strategy"). Using the results to argue their validity. Using a well-corroborated independent theory of phenomena to explain the results. Using an apparatus based on a well-corroborated theory. Use of statistical arguments. [10] But applying these strategies does not guarantee the correctness of the results. Because of this, physicists use several strategies, depending on the experiment. Peter Galison, in How Experiments End (1987), s
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