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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