Ask the Sigma: Sigma Science
In which a reader asks if there are SSH-related approaches to science
A female reader has a few questions:
Several scientific methods exist. From a Sigma perspective, is a method like Popper’s falsifiability superior to others such as the positivist attempts to validate an hypothesis? Is there a uniquely sigma approach to science? Is it more effective?
The sigma pattern visualization probably yields many unique hypothesis but it appears that the sigma scratches the erroneous ones off the list. The gamma does not. If this is true, then gamma errors compound over time which leads to the organizational disruption that Vox discusses.
This isn’t quite as coherent as the sort of questions I prefer to address, but to the extent that I grasp the essence of the question, I don’t think Popperian falsifiability is particularly valid, nor do I think there is any sort of unique Sigma approach to science, my own minor efforts to gather some sort of basic philosophical principles notwithstanding.
The Principles of Veriphysics
The truth is that which exists independent of any human perception, sense, or analysis.
The truth must be always be the foundation of any correct idea, concept, ideal, objective, policy, or principle.
The fullness of the truth cannot be conclusively and comprehensively established from any human perspective or by any human method.
Every partial truth is perceived on a gradiant that depends upon both the perspective and the method utilized to determine it.
The not-truth can be conclusively established by a wide variety of methods, including logic, observation, statistical analysis, mathematics, and experiment.
The practical objective of veriphysical analysis is to construct reliable predictive models that provide a sound basis for pragmatic decisions which produce observable results that correspond with the predictions derived from the models.
The rhetorical version of which is as follows:
Truth is reality.
Truth is the basis for correct thought or action.
All truths are partial.
The parts of the truth perceived depend upon the who and the how.
The not-truth is easier to establish than the truth.
Veriphysics is a practical philosophy.
The primary forms of existence are: ontological, experiential, testimonial, experimental, spiritual:
That which can be imagined.
That which can be experienced by the senses.
That which can be testified to by others.
That which can be repeatedly and consistently observed.
That which can be perceived indirectly through its effects on the material world.
However, it is true that given the Gamma’s instinctive recoiling from any truth that is perceived by him as uncomfortable, we can safely assume that he will reliably find hiimself going astray sooner or later.
But science is its own thing, whether one is contemplating scientistry, scientody, or scientage. There will certainly be different SSH perspectives on science and its various aspects and applications, but these should not be confused with distinct SSH forms of it.
"The not-truth can be conclusively established by a wide variety of methods, including logic, observation, statistical analysis, mathematics, and experiment."
Welcome to 2001+, especially 2016 and later...
This is an excellent summary. I wasn't familiar with the term veriphysics but the aptly named gammasecretkings reddit brought me right up to speed. I will likely reference this framework if I ever need to teach philosophy. The translation into rhetoric is the best part.