School of Historical and Philosophical Studies - Theses

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End date: 1999 × Start date: 1990 × Type: Masters Research thesis × Subject: Science ×

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Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Laws of nature
    Torley, Vincent ( 1994)
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    Some theories of verisimilitude
    Wilson, Alan John (1948-) ( 1991)
    In this thesis it was decided to concentrate on the work of Sir Karl Popper and, in particular, his concept of verisimilitude. In this connection, a result in Harris' 1974 paper was considered in error. In chapter 1 Tich?'s demonstration that Popper's probabilistic definitions of verisimilitude are inadequate is discussed. The same is discussed with respect to Popper's logical definitions of verisimilitude in chapter 2. Such criticisms of Tich? cast doubt on the idea of verisimilitude or at least as it had been formulated by Popper. Chapter 3 considers the relationship between verisimilitude and language. Chapter 4 considers, in particular, the role weak theories can play, and the promise offered by a distance-from-the-truth function of Tich?. The results are summarised in the conclusion (chapter 5).
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    Some foundations of science in Victoria in the decade after separation
    Cohn, Helen M ( 1990)
    The decade following separation from New South Wales must surely be considered one of the most dramatic in Victoria's history. In that short space of time Victoria was transformed from a small dependent colony into a bustling cosmopolitan self-governing community of enormous wealth, completely outstripping its neighbours in the process. There had been an influx of migrants of such magnitude that the civil authorities found it very difficult to keep up with the population explosion. It must at times have seemed to them to be an impossible task to provide food, housing, water, power, roads and transport, sewerage and other amenities adequate to cope with the increasing number of people pouring into the colony. Added to this were problems of civil insurrection, severe economic depression, major constitutional reforms, and great political instability. During this period, despite all the trials and difficulties they had to face, Victorians developed a real sense that they were the premier colony, that they could achieve. whatever they set out to accomplish. There was a great feeling of optimism and self-confidence.