Constructing general models of theory dynamics (Q798641)

This essay is a brief and preliminary attempt to consider diachronic or dynamic aspects of scientific theorising from a formal perspective. Our emphasis will be on the aims of, and the logical instruments best adapted for, the construction of formal models of theory dynamics. We shall make essential use of two fundamental ideas drawn from contemporary history and philosophy of science. The first is the thesis that intertheory relations function both within (long term) norms of scientific research, and as indispensable tool for the rational reconstruction of scientific development. The second is the now widely-accepted idea that the single theory is an inappropriate unit of methodological appraisal in science. One should consider the 'scientific theory' as an open-ended and evolving complex of many interrelated parts. In this paper, such a structure will be defined and called a 'theory ensemble'. Various relations between theory-ensembles are studied.