Methodology
barre at access1.com
barre at access1.com
Tue Feb 8 06:15:35 EST 2000
Here are some of my suggestions with regard to the presentation and assessment of a
hypothesis.
- Clearly distinguish data, evidential theses, and the hypothesis.
- Relevant data is isolated to create evidence to support the hypothesis.
- The evidence will contain usually presupposes a number of theses.
- The supporting evidential theses must be supported by all relevant and related data or the
evidence is weakened or potential flawed.
- Criticism of the use of data as unrelated or of weaknesses in the supporting theses should
be welcomed as objectivity dictates that it is of no importance whether the hypothesis is
degraded or elevated in its probability.
- Any changes to the status of the hypothesis will create possibilities of discovering new
relevant data or of creating new evidence which in term will necessarily affect the hypothesis
itself.
- It is desirable although not requisite that criticism of a given hypothesis will carry within it an
implicit willingness to offer a superior hypothesis with regard to the data, evidence and
hypothesis under consideration.
While these hermeneutical principles are not novel, they are most often learned by means of
inculcation rather than explicit articulation. These comments as are yours are offered in the
interest of promoting methodological clarity and collectively arriving at a common starting
point. Furthermore, they work.
---------------------------
L.M. Barre
http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/AncientIsrael
Point Loma, California
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