Some contributions of philosophy to behavioral sciences

Journal/Book: J Mind Behav. 1999; 20: PO Box 522 Village Station, New York, NY 10014, USA. Inst Mind Behavior Inc. 183-209.

Abstract: Philosophical analyses can aid scientists in several ways. For example, (a) they can help resolve disagreements among scientists about issues such as the relative value of facts versus theories and observations versus inferences; (b) they provide historical descriptions of how science went when it went well or badly and scientists can imitate these descriptions as though they were prescriptive rules; (c) they identify ''families'' of theories and methodologies on the basis of common uses of key words, which can help scientists understand theories and methodologies other than their own; and (d) they can provide essential backgrounds for scientists' debates about issues such as final causality, chance causality, and context effects. However, philosophical analyses cannot provide support for empirical findings or theoretical concepts.

Note: Article Reese HW, W Virginia Univ, Dept Psychol, POB 6040, Morgantown,WV 26506 USA

Keyword(s): DEVELOPMENTAL THEORY; CONTEXTUALISTIC EPISTEMOLOGY; MECHANISTIC ONTOLOGY; PSYCHOLOGY; METAPHOR

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