I want to follow up some of the remarks made by Terence and the question
asked by Rosan. I want to suggest criteria for judging theory that are not
mentioned by Terence but I think may be implicit in Rosan's question.
Terence made the following points about theory.
>In terms of validity and justification of theories and concepts, there are
>several measures that spring to mind. First, is internal consistency - does
>the concept/theory make sense in its own terms. Second, is 'fit' - does the
>concept/theory do what it is constructed to do. Third, is external
>consistency - does it coherently align with all the other concepts and
>theories that it depends on and helps define. Four, is communication
>consistency - does the concept/theory fit with discourses that are already
>in place. Five, is clarity - does the concept/theory have well-defined
>boundaries.
In my own work I have addittionally applied four other measures: parsimony,
or Ockam's razor, elegance, simplicity, and respect. In developing theory
or judging between theories, I have always looked for the most economical,
elegant, simple, and respectful explanation. I have written extensively (and
uneconomically, but I hope not inelegantly!) on this. The central argument
is easily stated.
In developing explanations and theories
choose those that offer the most economical,
elegant, and simple explanation which is at the same
time respectful of others.
If you do this with design theory, it's amazing how little you actually
need.
As intellectuals, we have emerged from a Century of proflegate theorising,
where the dominant method of dealing with theoretical difficulties has been
greater elaboration. The world is replete with complexity, and increasingly
full of undisposable and unrecyclable waste. As intellectuals we can do our
bit by not adding to the pile, and possibly even reducing it.
David
--
Professor David Sless
Director
Communication Research Institute of Australia
** helping people communicate with people **
PO Box 398 Hawker
ACT 2614 Australia
Mobile: 0412 356 795
phone: +61 (0)262 598 671
fax: +61 (0)262 598 672
web: http://www.communication.org.au
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