Scientific Knowledge Methods and Myth: Understanding the World
Scientific Knowledge Methods
1. Inductive Method
Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to broader generalizations. It involves collecting data from experience and drawing general conclusions. There are two types of induction:
- Incomplete Induction: Generalizing a characteristic observed in only a few instances to an entire class of phenomena.
- Complete Induction: Generalizing a feature observed in all instances of the same class.
2. Deductive Method
Deduction is a form of reasoning where if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true. The relationship between premises and conclusion is necessary.
The deductive method is used in formal sciences, where the object of study is not observable facts. Truth is independent of facts and governed by internal coherence. Formal sciences aim to construct an axiomatic system, adopting a deductive structure where unprovable principles (axioms and postulates) are used to deduce every truth (theorems) within that system. This requires rules of formation and transformation to extract new valid statements.
Deduction can be understood in two ways:
- Deriving less general statements from one or more general statements.
- A synthetic or constructive approach, used by mathematicians and some philosophers, where complex knowledge is built from simpler elements.
3. Hypothetical-Deductive Method
- Observation and collection of all relevant data.
- Analysis and classification of the data.
- Generalization and extraction of laws or hypotheses (Induction).
- Deduction of consequences to make predictions that allow testing the hypothesis or law.
- Verification through experiments.
4. Hermeneutic Method
Hermeneutics involves a series of procedures used in sciences dealing with human actions to interpret the meaning behind those actions.
Understanding Myth
1. Myth
A myth is a traditional tale that narrates memorable and exemplary deeds of extraordinary beings (gods or heroes) in a prestigious and distant time.
Functions of a Myth
Myths offer a total explanation, addressing fundamental puzzles about the origin and nature of the universe, the origin of humans, civilization, technology, and social or political organization.
Myths fulfill an important social function by providing paradigmatic and exemplary models for action. Communities learn from myths, from the art of navigation and military strategy to the moral code that guides behavior.
The mindset underlying myth is often considered childish, as it explains the world and natural phenomena by projecting human traits onto them, a process known as humanization. This leads to the essential feature of mythical explanations: anthropocentrism, which means that:
- Forces and natural phenomena are personified and deified.
- World events are arbitrary, depending on the capricious will of the gods.
Conclusion: Natural disasters are largely unpredictable because they occur arbitrarily, depending on the will of a god.
Story: Two functions – to explain and to provide role models.
Mindset: Childish, anthropocentric.