July 2011

Past error: Trying to base the unity of science on the traits of all scientific theories.

Reason it is an error: since the scientific method is a problem solving method for all fields, there will be millions of theories presented. To expect the unity of these is useless and impossible.

What is the unity of science then:

1. The unity of science is in its method. Thus you must have a proper understanding of the stages of the scientific method and follow them in reaching a theory or conclusion. In The Grammar of Science (1892) Karl Pearson said, “The unity of all science consists alone in its method, not in its material.”
2. In the past there has not been presented a good formula for the scientific method that is suitable for unity in use for all theories and conclusions.
3. With the presentation of SM-14 (introduced in 1992; the supporting ingredients were corrected in July 1997) we have an acceptable formula to use to achieve the unity of science by individuals or groups. Since science is a problem solving method, we now have a problem solving method that provides unity of action for all problem solvers. Look! This is of tremendous advantage when used by groups, as it prevents wandering and confusion when groups attempt to solve the same problem

Past Efforts on the Unity of Science

Here is a quote from The Validation of Scientific Theories (1954) by Philipp G. Frank:

Since about 1930, the “Unity of Science” movement has attempted to study the traits which are common to all scientific theories. The “Institute for the Unity of Science,” in Boston, has organized local, national, and international meetings in which the results of these studies have been presented and discussed by cooperation with scientists and philosophers of various lines and specialties. In the year 1953, a plan was developed to come to grips with the central problem by organizing a special conference on the “Validation of Scientific Theories.” In cooperation with the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, in Boston, and under the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation, in Washington, the conference was organized in the Christmas vacation, 1953, as a part of the meeting held by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Now that the uselessness of this is understood and we have available a standard formula for the scientific method such as SM-14, we open new roads to teaching and using the unity of science in all fields.

Here again is the formula for the Unity of Science, SM-14:

1. Curious observation
2. Is there a problem?
3. Goals and planning
4. Search, explore, and gather the evidence
5. Generate creative and logical alternatives
6. Evaluate the evidence
7. Make the educated guess (hypothesis)
8. Challenge the hypothesis
9. Reach a conclusion
10. Suspend judgment
11. Take action
Supporting Ingredients:
12. Creative, non-logical, logical, and technical methods
13. Procedural principles and theories
14. Attributes and thinking skills

Use in Group or Team Problem Solving

1. Be sure participants are familiar with SM-14.
2. Let participants proceed own their own or assign certain stages to certain individuals or subgroups.
3. Hold coordination meetings with discussions centered on certain stages.