From: Michael Butler (mbutler@ocv1.ocv.com)
Date: Mon Sep 23 1996 - 18:14:51 MDT
Robin said:
If there is any sensible distinction between observation and
experiment, it is in one's degree of control over a system. Observers
look, while experimenters change things (and look).
I say:
OK, so we appear to have the distinction between disciplines that
1) observe-(model-)predict,
and
2) observe-(model-)make_a_change_in_what's_observed-predict,
correct?
Do I understand Robin to be saying that category (2) is an
experimental discipline, and category (1) is not?
Are they both justifiably called "science"?
What if one _tries_ to make a change on what one is observing, and
discovers that no different result is observed? Were you not really
conducting an experiment? Example: toggling the power switch on an
appliance which is unplugged.
MMB
Michael M. Butler, not representing On Command Video
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