Some Methodological Remarks

Abstract

This contribution is an attempt to analyse the logic structure of the papers presented at the Lochmühle workshop in March 1984. The analysis is based on the definitions of the concepts of deduction and induction as can be found in textbooks on logic, and on the logic of argumentation and the structure of research programs as can be found in textbooks on philosophy of science.

Moreover, the analysis is evaluated against (1) the background of the investigator and through (2) the topics of discussion which were raised during the meeting. The deductive approach appears to be dominant with the participants although the presentation and the argumentation are influenced by the specific background, education and the profession of the investigator. The authors are aware of the limitations due to the use of these concepts in the above given definition used in this analysis. Therefore, one has to consider this contribution as an example of only one of the many possibilities to elucidate such a complex happening as an international scientific workshop.