On 12 Dec 99, at 20:26, Steve Eskow wrote:
> Often theories are stated in a form that allows for the making of
> predictions.
>
> One "form" for the theory-practice link is the "if-then" form.
>
> "If the world is round, then a pendulum suspended from a ceiling will...
>
> "If the world is round, then a sailboat as it moves into the distance
> will...
>
> "If e equal mc2, then..."
>
> The problem,then, with determining if "entropy" as it applies to
> organizations is indeed a theory becomes, can we imagine, invent, an
> "if-then" statement that would confirm it?
Steve, just to clarify and add on the issue of practice. I'd go further
than you in terms of what constitutes practice, in line with the issue
that good theory allows us to understand, predict AND control.
The practicality of theory lies in the latter two. In your examples you
are using the prediction function, but NOT the control function which in
terms of practitioners, seems to be the most important.
So I would expand your examples this way:
if E=mc2 is true, then x should occur, (prediction) and that will enable
us to produce y by [methods or techniques].
or
if the world is round then I can sail a sail boat from point a to point a
without falling off, OR I can optimize flying time by going over the poles
for certain parts of the world.
Note the difference?
The practicality of a theory relates to its ability to allow us to base
real actions upon it.
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