Context Dependence in Scientific Methodology

Abstract

AbstractThe foregoing chapters have assumed that there is such a thing as universal scientific methodology—a methodology for arriving at scientific theories that holds across scientific contexts. This chapter revisits that assumption and asks whether and to what extent a context-dependent scientific methodology might make trouble for the methodological naturalist. The focus of the discussion will be on the idea that simplicity is context-dependent. Although existing accounts of the ways in which simplicity is context-dependent do not give rise to serious concerns for the methodological naturalist, there are hypothetical accounts that may give rise to such worries. The chapter discusses three ways for the methodological naturalist to respond.