观察和实验——对科学理论的讨论和反思

Observation and Experimentation—Discussion and Reflection on Scientific Theories

摘要: 关于科学的讨论从未停止，而对科学理论的思考一向是科学哲学家们的重要议题。传统科学哲学认为观察是理论的基础，而对观察性质的探寻就显得十分重要。从一开始逻辑经验主义的中性观察说到后来占据核心地位的“观察渗透理论观点”都说明了观察和理论的关系，但它们也面临着各自的困难与批评。而随着新实验主义的发展，本来依赖于理论的实验开始拥有了自己的生命，新实验主义者试图以实验作为核心，重建科学理论的大厦。同时，科学实践哲学更激进地将科学实践视为所有科学活动的基础，以科学实践瓦解了观察–理论体系。在这种新的科学哲学体系下，理论将不再占据优位。

Abstract: The discussion about science has never ceased, and the contemplation of scientific theories has always been an important topic for philosophers of science. Traditional philosophy of science believes that observation is the foundation of theory, making the exploration of the nature of observation particularly crucial. From the initial neutral observation theory of logical empiricism to the later “observation-infiltrated theory” viewpoint that occupies a central position, both illustrate the relationship between observation and theory. However, they also face their respective difficulties and criticisms. With the development of new experimentalism, experiments that were originally dependent on theory began to have their own life. New experimentalists attempt to use experiments as the core to rebuild the edifice of scientific theory. Meanwhile, the philosophy of scientific practice takes a more radical approach, viewing scientific practice as the foundation of all scientific activities and dismantling the observation-theory system through scientific practice. Under this new system of scientific philosophy, the theory no longer occupies a dominant position.