• Question: Do we apply science to life or life to science?

    Asked by rallyson13 to Mark on 16 Mar 2011 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Mark Hill

      Mark Hill answered on 16 Mar 2011:


      Hello Rallyson13,

      Another deep question for the philosophers!

      I believe that it is down to your approach. Investigations can be hypothesis led, such as in criminal investigations, in which suspects are investigated, with a case to answer idea in mind, or in my investigations, they are from a ‘grounded theory’ angle (this is an idea from two people, Glaser and Strauss, in 1967, that I am sure your teacher can explain to you).
      I look at the evidence and see where it takes me, keeping an open mind about how a collision occurred. I look at everything, from mechanical failure, medical reasons, weather, road surface, and more, to identify what did not cause or contribute to the accident. That leads me to those factors that I cannot eliminate from being a cause, generally one or two factors, and often down to the driver!

      So, in my investigations, I think that I apply science and maths to life (events) rather than the other way around.

      I hope that I have at least part answered your question. If not, send me another one.

      Thank you for a well thought out question.

      Mark.

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