How to compare theories and choose between them?

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How to compare theories and choose between them?

• Dr Christer Pursiainen
• christer.pursiainen_at_nordregio.se

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Positivist theory creation and testing
hypotheses
predictions
logical deduction
theory amended
theory appears inconsistent with the facts
empirical observation
either
or
or
either
theory appears consistent with the facts
theory correct
theory disgarded, new theory needed
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Poppers falsificationist method
process of error-eliminination, falsification
and theory comparison
theory 1
theory 2
not yet falsified, that is, accepted for the
time being
theory 3
steps towards the unreachable theoretical truth
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Kuhns incommensurable paradigms
pre-paradigm period
accepted paradigm normal science
incommensurable different standards, problems
etc.
anomalies
extraordinary investigations and science
new normal science
5
Lakatos sophisticated falsificationism

• theory 2(n1)
• explains the content of theory 1
• predicts novel facts
• proved if finds novel facts

theory 1 (n)
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Bhaskars theory comparison
anomalies for theory C
both explain adequately
anomalies for theory D
1
4
theory D
2
3
theory C
5
theory Cs entirely own area
theory Ds entirely own area
referential overlap