This paper examines the hypothesis that analogies may play a role in the generation of new ideas that are built into new explanatory theories. Methods of theory construction by analogy, by failed analogy, and by modular components from several analogies are discussed. Two different analyses of analogy are contrasted: direct mapping (Mary Hesse) and shared abstraction (Michael Genesereth). The structure of Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection shows various analogical relations. Finally, an "abstraction for selection theories" is shown to be (...) the structure of a number of theories. (shrink)

Several diagrams and tables from review articles during the Ox-Phos Controversy serve as an occasion to assess the nature of competition in models of theory choice in science. Many models follow "Super-Bowl" principles of polar, either-or, winner-take-all competition. A significant alternative highlighted by this episode, however, is the differentiation of domains. Incommensurability and the partial divergence of overlapping domains serve both as signals and context for shifting frameworks of competition. Appropriate strategies may thus help researchers diagnose the status of competition (...) and shape their research accordingly. (shrink)

As an alternative to the relativistic anti-objectivism that has been directed toward experimental science, I develop an account of objectivity in experimental inquiry. I argue for experimental testing procedures, gleaned from experimental practice, that can make the impact of the world strong enough for objectively establishing claims about the world. These procedures, I argue, can be used in the evaluation of any experimental inquiry to determine the extent to which intersubjective presuppositions in particular, shared theoretical presuppositions, are eliminated. ;It is (...) possible, I argue, to objectively establish a claim about a property by reporting on it with a number of independent techniques. It is also possible, I argue, to objectively establish a claim about a correlation or a causal relation by using sophisticated versions of Mill's methods that incorporate the transmission of marks between experimentally manipulated objects. Even when a target system cannot be experimentally manipulated, claims about correlations or causal relations can be objectively established by the use of model systems. When model systems are used, the objectivity of any claim depends on the strength of the analogy between the target system and the model system. ;The objectivity of any claim made by experimental inquiry is limited by the availability of independent techniques and appropriate model systems and by the extent to which the structure of the scientific community supports critical activities. These critical activities include both direct criticism of individual and shared presuppositions and intentional and de facto testing of claims about properties, correlations and causal relations. Therefore, when experimental knowledge is applied to the solution of practical problems, because of limitations on objectivity, it is necessary to judge whether any experimental claim is sufficiently objective to justify its use in the circumstances of a particular application. I examine the objectivity of experimental claims about the causal relations between human genes and human physical, behavioral and intellectual characteristics and their use in the development and interpretation of predictive genetic tests. (shrink)