Hi Ken,
Thanks.
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (11th edition) suggests 'theorem'
as 'an idea accepted or proposed as a demonstrable truth, often as part of a
general theory'. This suggests the role of theorem as a model within a
'world view' or something similarly general.
It seems to reflect the location of a 'model' as part of a bigger situation.
Similarly, MWCD appears to define theory as being specific to the bigger
situation rather than a model, e.g. 'the general abstract principles of a
body of fact, a science, an art' and, in a different direction to the idea
of a model,, 'the *analysis*of a set of facts in their relation to one
another'.
Alternatively, ' [theories] should be considered as *sets* of theoretical
models' (Oxford Companion to Philosophy - and, just this once - for you,
p871 left hand column.)
Cheers,
Terry
-----Original Message-----
From: PhD-Design - This list is for discussion of PhD studies and related
research in Design [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ken
Friedman
Sent: Wednesday, 19 December 2012 12:02 PM
To: Dr Terence Love
Subject: Re: design theory testing
Dear Terry,
No, this is not the case. I define theory carefully in the paper cited
earlier.
You can read it at:
http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/41967
You can also read the article in Design Studies:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0142-694X(03)00039-5
For other views supporting this interpretation, try the Oxford English
Dictionary or the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. Mario Bunge
offers a good definition and explains some of the confusions on the nature
of theory in The Dictionary of Philosophy published by Prometheus books.
A theory is an explanation that shows the operation of a system with respect
to all its parts and the dynamic relation of those parts to one another.
This is why I describe a theory as a model. A model has working parts. In
contrast, a theorem is a single, provable proposition ... Some theories may
contain dozens, or even hundreds of theorems within the totality of the
theory, along with axiomatic statements, hypotheses, or other kinds of
statement used to describe the entire theory. Some theories, on the other
hand, may be quite small. But theories and theorems are different in nature.
I suspect that one may describe some kinds of theorems using the word,
"model," but a theory is a model of a full system describing the dynamic
relations of all parts of the system to all other parts of the system.
The linked articles define and describe this.
Hope this helps.
Warm wishes,
Ken
-----------------------------------------------------------------
PhD-Design mailing list <[log in to unmask]>
Discussion of PhD studies and related research in Design
Subscribe or Unsubscribe at https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/phd-design
-----------------------------------------------------------------
|