1 — It is assumed that it is the purpose of a theory to explain something. An explanation is an answer to a question of the linguistic form ’why?’; its logical structure is of the following form: E... Show more1 — It is assumed that it is the purpose of a theory to explain something. An explanation is an answer to a question of the linguistic form ’why?’; its logical structure is of the following form: E That is, on the basis of a certain set of postulates, or ’laws’, {Lj,........ Ln}, and a set of given, observed 'circumstances’, {Ci,.........Cn}, ’E’, the conclusion, is decuded. Accordingly, the character of an explanation and, consequently, of a theory, is deductive. 2 — As regards the structure of a theory several elements should be distiguished. (1) The logical mathematical, or probablistic system in which the theory is formulated. (2) The calculus which may be conceived as the axiomatic nucleus of the theory and which consists of a set of primitive concepts and postulates governing the use of the primitives. On the basis of primitives and postulates new concepts and theorems are deduced. It is to be noted, that the content of the primitives (their ’meaning’) consists of the way they are used within the relational structure of the calculus; that is, they are defined implicitly. (3) An interpretative system of rules connecting the ’abstract’ calculus with other structures of knowledge. In this way the calculus can be given different interpretations, which constitute models of the initial calculus. In order to explain empirical reality, there should at least be an empirical model of the calculus, that is, the calculus has to be connected with observable reality. In this case the interpretation is given by a set of ’operational definitions’ as they are commonly called. It is shown that these definitions can be conceived as ’quickly decidable sentences’ by means of which the empirical model can be falsified. 3 — The role which theory construction plays with regard to the formation of reality is indicated. Making explicit its logical structure and its empirical interpretation, theory formation leads to ’intersubjectively transmissible knowledge’. It results in the construction of a reality which transcends individual and parochial idiosyncracies and which is accessible to everybody. Of the conditions a theory should fulfill, two stand out: (a) it should be consistent, and (b) it should be falsifiable. Finally, it is shown that there is some ground to assume theory formation to be possible — even in the social sciences, difficult though it may be. Show less
Simulation studies in all areas are considered to be somewhat of a fad. Substantial reconstruction of a root and branch nature are required, especially with respect to simulations which utilize a... Show moreSimulation studies in all areas are considered to be somewhat of a fad. Substantial reconstruction of a root and branch nature are required, especially with respect to simulations which utilize a model-controlled environment for experimental purposes. It is suggested that validity criteria for model construction have been characterized by a pervasive error in the concern for ’isomorphic’ realism, which reproduced in sophisticated model form the simplism and cognitive rigidity of the war game umpire. Even as this error has been gradually recognized and partially corrected, the basic orientation and concern for environmental model aspects has remained and continues to divert interest away from the micro-political nexus. The author’s own suggestion, the Prisoner’s Dilemma Simulation, is an attempt to focus upon this core element in the larger system and to develop a technique for complex experimental research into conflict behavior. The author suggests that simulation can be seen in four ways: 1 As a means of macro-political analysis: in which the output is new research directions, i.e., ’the next most plausible model.’ It is a means of summarizing research and getting on with the business of further research instead of leaving locked rooms packed with data to be analyzed ’some day’. 2 Educationally: here one wants to ’tell how it is’ and make people aware of it in a way that sells history. 3 Complex experimentation: in which theories can be generated which are valid at least for some people, and which may therefore have an improved survival rate when tested in the real world. 4 As a fad: which can be used effectively for a while to get money from people who have not yet been told that it is passé until the next fad comes along Show less