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Methods Shaping Theory Construction

Do our employed methods and accepted demarcation criteria influence theory construction?

In order to become a contender for acceptance, a theory must meet the requirements of the demarcation criteria outlined by the employed method of the time. Can employed methods shape theory construction? In addition, it seems as though other elements of the mosaic play a part in shaping theory construction. For example, the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics could not have been built without prior acceptance of the formalism of Hilbert Spaces in mathematics. In what way does our mosaic impose constraints on theory construction?

In the scientonomic context, this question was first formulated by Jennifer Whyte in 2016. The question is currently accepted as a legitimate topic for discussion by Scientonomy community.

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Scientonomy1 April 2016This question was acknowledged as legitimate in the Scientonomy Seminar 2016.Yes

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This question is a subquestion of Mechanism of Scientific Change.