Information and Abduction in the process of Scientific Discovery

• Grant number: 11/15591-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: June 01, 2012
• End date: September 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Philosophy - Epistemology
• Principal Investigator: Maria Eunice Quilici Gonzalez
• Grantee: Mariana Vitti Rodrigues
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciências (FFC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Marília. Marília , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 10/52627-9 - Sistemics, self-organization and information, AP.TEM
• Associated scholarship(s): 13/09399-3 - Analysis of the concept of abduction in the process of creativity, BE.EP.MS

Abstract

The main aim of this project is to develop an analysis of the concepts of information and abduction in the process of scientific discovery. To this end, we propose an interdisciplinary philosophical study of the hypothesis formulation process, with an emphasis on abductive reasoning, considered by Peirce (1977), Hanson (1958) and others as being responsible for the creation of explanatory hypotheses in the domain of scientific discovery. In this context, we shall discuss the hypothesis of the existence of a logic underlying scientific discovery and, should this seem probable, we shall examine the role that information might play in the creation of hypotheses that could explain anomalous experiences. The underlying basis of this research will be an analysis of the concept of information proposed by Charles Sanders Peirce, focusing on what he terms genuine information, as well as the notion of abduction. From this analysis, we shall argue that an increase of information can occur through abductive reasoning, together with the consequent acquisition of new beliefs that aid in the dissolution of doubts. Finally, we shall argue in defense of the need for contemporary philosophical reflection on the role of information in processes of scientific inference.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

RODRIGUES, Mariana Vitti. Informação e abdução no processo de descoberta científica. 2014. Master's Dissertation - Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciências. Marília Marília.