PIRSA:06070059

Newton’s Methodology

APA

Harp, B. (2006). Newton’s Methodology. Perimeter Institute. https://pirsa.org/06070059

MLA

Harp, Bill. Newton’s Methodology. Perimeter Institute, Jul. 21, 2006, https://pirsa.org/06070059

BibTex

          @misc{ pirsa_PIRSA:06070059,
            doi = {10.48660/06070059},
            url = {https://pirsa.org/06070059},
            author = {Harp, Bill},
            keywords = {},
            language = {en},
            title = {Newton’s Methodology},
            publisher = {Perimeter Institute},
            year = {2006},
            month = {jul},
            note = {PIRSA:06070059 see, \url{https://pirsa.org}}
          }
          

Bill Harp Western University

Abstract

Newton’s methodology is significantly richer than the hypothetico-deductive model. It is informed by a richer ideal of empirical success that requires not just accurate prediction but also accurate measurement of parameters by the predicted phenomena. It accepts theory mediated measurements and theoretical propositions as guides to research Kuhn has suggested that along with revolutionary changes in scientific theory come revolutionary changes in methodology. I will argue that, when Einstein found his theory could handle the Mercury perihelion problem, Einstein’s theory was doing better than Newton’s theory on Newton’s standard. The richer themes of Newton’s methodology continue to be strikingly realized in the testing frameworks for General Relativity.