Edwin Hubble(1887-1953) on the
Method of Astronomy
Summary taken from M. Crowe's
out of print book: "Modern Theories of the Universe from Herschel to
Hubble", Dover Pub. 1994
from chapter 1.
It is worthwhile examining the claims that
E. Hubble made concerning the methodology of Astronomy. As the most
prominent astronomer of the 20th century his point of view must be
seriously considered.
1) "Science is the one human activity that is truly progressive."
Hubble quotes from George Sarton:
'The saints of today are not necessarily more saintly than those of a
thousand years ago; our artists are not necessarily greater than those
of early Greece; they are likely to be inferior; and, of course, our
men of science are not necessarily more intelligent than those of old;
yet one thing is certain, their knowledge is at once more extensive and
more accurate. The acquisition and systemization of positive knowledge
is the only human activity that is truly cumulative and progressive."
There is a reason why claim 1) is valid.
2) "Science deals only with judgments
concerning which it is possible to obtain universal agreement."
Quote from an article written by Hubble:
'Now, it is a curious fact that we are most certain about judgments
that cannot be demonstrated. Subjective certainty is inversely
proportional to objective certainty. Russell put the situation rather
bluntly, "Who ever heard a theologian preface his creed or a politician
conclude his speech with an estimate of the probable error of his
opinion." .'
3) Universal agreement "is secured by
means of observations and experiments" because these "tests represent
external authorities which all men must acknowledge, by their actions,
if not by their words, in order to survive."
Because of this science "is barred from the world of values." It
can in some ways influence values but the reverse should not take place.
4) Observation and theory are two
separate realms.
The observer collects sufficient data along with their estimated
uncertainties and tries to find a common law that ties the data
together. At this point the theoretician enters to establish theories
based on these laws.
5) Good data and observations
are permanent contributions to knowledge but theory is ephemeral.
Observations and the laws deduced from them are permanent contributions
to the body of knowledge, even given the fact that subsequently more
precise observations may sharpen the predicitive power of the laws.
However, theory changes as more data are obtained. Theoretical
speculations have many forms and are eventually forgotten.
6) Precision scientific instruments
are crucial for building astronomical knowledge. Telescopes were and
are pivotal tools in exploring the cosmos.
7) Precise terms must be employed in astronomy
"The terms always carry the same same significance and
substitutes are not employed. Variety is sacrificed for precision."