Information and Experimental Knowledge

A new model of experimentation is discussed in the book, which claims that experiments transform observations of localized systems into global, general, and integrated empirical knowledge. According to James Mattingly, the goal of experimentation is to alter the knower's information state, and we can understand experimental knowledge by following the flow of information.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

A groundbreaking new approach to experimentation aims to fundamentally transform our understanding of the essential elements of experimental practice. While there is a consensus among scientists that experimentation plays a vital role in the acquisition of scientific knowledge, the exact mechanisms through which experiments generate this knowledge remain highly contentious. In his comprehensive book, philosopher of science James Mattingly delves into the intricacies of experimental practice, exploring how it transforms observations of localized, specific, and isolated systems into comprehensive and integrated empirical knowledge. Mattingly argues that the primary purpose of experimentation is to modify the state of information held by the knower, a concept that may seem trivial but holds significant implications. To fully comprehend the nature of experimental knowledge, Mattingly suggests that we should trace the flow of information throughout the experiment. This involves examining the factors that facilitate the flow of information, the obstacles that hinder it, and the characteristics that enable information to transcend boundaries between systems, enter the minds of researchers, and ultimately contribute to our collective body of scientific knowledge. By examining the information flow in experiments, Mattingly provides a comprehensive account of experimental knowledge that sheds light on the processes and mechanisms that underpin scientific inquiry. This approach not only deepens our understanding of experimentation but also has broader implications for the broader field of knowledge generation. It underscores the importance of studying the flow of information and the factors that influence its transmission as we seek to expand our knowledge and understanding of the world around us.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226804644