Empiricism and Scientific Observation

Empirical Theory: The Observation of Facts • Empiricism is a philosophical doctrine where human knowledge comes from sensible experience, ultimately leading to rational principles of knowledge. • Empiricists believe that observing facts is the key step in the experimental approach. A good observation (such as a blood test) is essential for establishing a scientific theory or law. • David Hume argues that the idea of cause and effect (A causes B) comes solely from observation and experience. It is not a matter of opinion but a necessary result of empirical reasoning. • However, according to Hume, the claim of a necessary relation between A and B lacks rational validity, as it is based on habit rather than logical proof. • For example, the observation of water boiling after heating leads to the expectation of the same result due to repeated experience, though this expectation is not inherently rational.

Common vs. Scientific Observation • Common observation is performed haphazardly, without instruments, and is a subjective impression produced randomly. • Scientific observation differs in that it involves mental elaboration, replacing simple sensible perception with scientific knowledge through systematic methodology.

Steps and Characteristics of Scientific Observation

A scientific fact is not merely an observed fact but one that is deliberately chosen, analyzed, and refined through the following steps: 1. Use of instruments – Scientific observation relies on specialized tools for precision. 2. Measurement – Facts are often expressed quantitatively, especially in physics. 3. Correction and rectification – Previous errors or misconceptions must be corrected. 4. Interpretation – A fact is recognized within a theoretical framework (e.g., a chemist identifying an acid when a substance turns red). 5. Technical improvement – The process of observation is refined with better techniques. 6. Recording – Observations must be documented systematically. 7. Result of a choice – Scientists prioritize significant facts over trivial ones. 8. Registered fact – The fact is acknowledged and validated within the scientific community.

Scientific Facts and Polemical Observation • A scientific fact is a noted fact, meaning scientists recognize its importance. • Example: Michel Lalande observed Neptune in 1795 but mistook it for a star due to its shifting position, considering it an observational error. • A scientific fact is also a rectified fact, as previous misconceptions must be corrected.

Bachelard’s View: • “Scientific observation is always a polemical observation,” meaning it challenges prior worldviews and contradicts common experience. • Example: 17th-century well builders in Florence observed that a pump could not raise water above 10.33 meters. • This contradicted the belief that a vacuum could not exist in nature. • Later, it was understood that the phenomenon was due to atmospheric pressure, proving that vacuums can exist in nature under specific conditions.

Scientific observation is thus an evolving process that corrects errors, refines methods, and challenges preconceived notions to build reliable knowledge.