@@ -1,5 +1,24 @@-Describe
[ScientificMethod
] here
.
+In 1619, Rene Descartes set down four rules for applying his method for finding truth:
+
+ - Never accept anything for true which I do not clearly know to be such.
+ - Divide each of the difficulties under examination into as many parts as possible.
+ - Begin with the simplest and easiest and then work step by step to the more complex.
+ - Make enumerations so complete and reviews so general that I might be assured that nothing is omitted.
+
+In the 19th century, the method evolved into six steps, and it was only in the 20th century and the work of
[KarlPopper
] that it split into those we recognize today.
+
+
+ - Pose a question about nature (Some would say, not necessarily as the result of an observation).
+ - Collect the pertinent, observable evidence.
+ - Formulate an explanatory hypothesis, defining relevant assumptions.
+ - Deduce its implications.
+ - Test all of the implications experimentally.
+ - Accept, reject, or modify the hypothesis based upon the experimental results.
+ - Define its range of applicability.
+ - Peer review
+ - Publish (including methodology, data and analysis)
+ - Evaluation and peers continue to test, extend and challenge the hypothesis
.
----
See other InterestingMemes.
