A Case study on the nature of theory choice the acceptance of Einstein`s light quantum theory

Abstract

ABSTRACT This thesis is concernet with the subject of theory choice problem that have been the focus on controversy and extensive debate in philosophy of science, and is an attempt to throw light on the very nature of theory choice process. It is our intention here to examine the structure of theory choice process in the light of the important insights of recent discussions and the detailed analysis of the debate over Einstein's light quantum theory, and to show that intersubjective justification of theories is possible. We shall do this by distinguishing three main phases in theory choice process and describing essential properties of these phases respectively. It is essential to our proposal that theory choice process involves not only the constitution and justification of good reasons for supporting one theory to another, but also the re-examination of available as well as newly proposed criteria and the determination of effective ones, before making any decision. Because the source of conflict is the lack of consensus on what grounds theories should be evaluated. The thesis is divided into three chapters with an introduction that is an outline of our study. In chapter I, the recent position of theory choice problem and its historical development are displayed in connection with the problem of scientific rationality. This chapter also purports to elaborate the incommensurability thesis, by calling attention to its merits on the one hand and its undesirable conclusions on theother. Chapter II, Which is an historical case study with some technical details, deals with the debates over Einstein's light quantum theory. It is intended to provide historical evidence concerning the nature of theory choice activity and to give a concrete content to considerations under study. It is also intended to treat the transition period of light quantum theory and by analysing historical facts to reconstruct this period between 1905' s and 1925 *s. Chapter III, discusses the nature of theory choice activity and offers a proposal concerning its very nature. This final section of the thesis concludes with a brief summation of the main points established earlier.