The Persistence of Problems Many problems seem to persist, despite our best efforts to solve them – assuming only the tools provided by critical thinking. Some problems are just too hard. We’ll see some problems are solved and solved again, each time with unsatisfactory outcomes. Still others are shrouded in complexity, vagueness, and wickedness. Let’s consider the root origins of these problems in ten steps. 1. We don’t have the tools (yet) to solve them, intellectual, theoretical, or instrumental. Example. Origin of the universe. 2. We don’t know what the real problem is. Example. Explaining matter - from antiquity to wave-particle duality. Disease. 3. We make a solution. It catches on. It becomes the solution until it fails. Then we begin again. New failure. Begin anew, and on and on. Example. Explaining planetary motion took several tries. Pedagogy. Fads! 4. We assume what the solution should be and persist in using i
How Are Physical Theories Formed? Here’s a brief overview of the process for physical theories. Theological and philosophical theories are similarly formed, mostly without the data component. The vague word "truth" is used below. Roughly, it means consensus, consistency, and predictability. Important it is to note that in the five steps below, answers are compounded through the vehicle of problems, or asking questions. A. Observation : It starts with observations focused on a particular topic, such as the moon, fish, or trees. At this and the next stage axioms, the accepted truths, are formed. B. Data Collection : Once metrics are defined, the observations are converted into empirical data, often represented as numerical values. C. Hypothesis Formation : Hypotheses are then developed—educated guesses about how things work or behave. D. Theory Development : When enough hypotheses are confirmed through experimentation and analysis, the framework of a theory begins