<研究論文(原著論文)>An Evolutionary Theory for Science and Technology

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a theory of scientific theory changes. We call this theory Evolutionary Theory for Science and Technology (ETST). ETST is an approach that is based on Logic of Belief Structures (LBS) and it can be used to describe historical developments of scientific activities. ETST considers a triple 〈theory structure, research team, research school〉 as the unit of scientific evolution. Research teams try to solve problems based on accepted theory structures. They also evaluate theory structures in their discipline by three epistemic values, namely accuracy, expressibility and coherence. These evaluation activities produce a selection process of theory structures. In this paper, we characterize ETST and demonstrate how to apply ETST to the clarification of some notions in philosophy of science and to the description of scientific developments.