Hi,
I just want to point those interested to a recent discussion at CHI
Place about theory in HCI, and particularly Ben Schneiderman's comments
there on some of the various roles of theory (descriptive, explanatory,
prescriptive, predictive, generative).
http://www.chiplace.org/content/Hot_Topics/_view-thread.jsp?forum=66&thr
ead=273&startHistory=0&color=FF6699
His remarks might help to clarify what we mean when we talk about
theory.
I am also reminded of Darwin's remark that "every observation is for or
against some theory", and similarly, Gadamer's hermeneutic horizons
being simultaneously limiting (from any standpoint we can only see
(understand) so far) and enabling (we are only able to understand
anything by virtue of SOME standpoint).
Just how pervasive is theory? Does it underlie everything?
I always have more questions than answers.
Cheers all,
Ben
________________________________
Ben Matthews
Information Environments Program
University of Queensland
Brisbane Australia 4072
Ph +61 7 3365 8308
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