Is there a good book on only observational evidence

In summary: But the same cannot be said for books about general relativity, because general relativity is a theory, and theories require mathematics.
  • #1
toastercombo
3
0
Do you know of a resource that expunges all theory and all mathematics and focuses solely on observable facts?

Example: This resource would list Faradays experiments but leave out Maxwells equations.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Yes, these exist, but per decree they are confined to a special, undocumented section of the library where they may be consulted merely for the purpose of historical research, and only with written permission from the public health authorities.
 
  • #3
toastercombo said:
Do you know of a resource that expunges all theory and all mathematics and focuses solely on observable facts?

Why would you want such a resource?

Also, where do you draw the line between "observable fact" and "theory"? For example, is the statement "the Earth orbits the Sun" an observable fact, or a theory?
 
  • #4
toastercombo said:
Do you know of a resource that expunges all theory and all mathematics and focuses solely on observable facts?
Example: This resource would list Faradays experiments but leave out Maxwells equations.

I am aware of no such book, and would be somewhat surprised to find one - it would be sort of like finding a book that exhaustively documents the observed motions of the planets and the observed trajectory of every artillery shell that was ever fired but that never mentioned gravity, Newton's laws, and the math that we use to apply them.

If you're looking for the experiments and observations that support relativity, the FAQ at the top of this forum (https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/faq-experimental-basis-of-special-relativity.229034/) lists a tiny subset of all the observations we have.
 
  • #5
toastercombo said:
Do you know of a resource that expunges all theory and all mathematics and focuses solely on observable facts?

Example: This resource would list Faradays experiments but leave out Maxwells equations.

There are almost infinitely many "observable facts". How can anyone compile them into a book?

Furthermore, a collection of observable facts is useless without context, i.e. without any theory that interpret these facts. It is why Rutherford was quote as saying "All Science is either Physics or Stamp-Collecting". Your collection of observable facts are nothing more than a "stamp-collection", as series of disconnected, disjointed pieces of information. This isn't knowledge, nor are they useful.

It is why there is no such book.

Zz.
 
  • #6
In school books you may find many "observable facts" with a minimum of mathematics to explain them. Or as Krylov mentioned in history documentations. 'The History of Physics' or similar titles.
 

Related to Is there a good book on only observational evidence

What is observational evidence?

Observational evidence refers to data or information that is gathered through direct observation of events or phenomena. This can include visual observations, measurements, and recordings of natural occurrences.

Why is observational evidence important for scientific research?

Observational evidence is important because it allows scientists to gather data without manipulating or interfering with the natural world. This can provide more accurate and unbiased information, and can also help to validate other types of evidence gathered through experiments or simulations.

Are there any limitations to using only observational evidence?

Yes, there are limitations to using only observational evidence. This type of evidence is often considered less reliable than experimental evidence, as it may be subject to human error or bias. Additionally, observational evidence may not always be able to provide a clear cause-and-effect relationship between variables.

Is there a specific book that focuses solely on observational evidence?

Yes, there are several books that focus on observational evidence in scientific research. Some examples include "Observational Studies" by Paul R. Rosenbaum and "Observational Research Methods" by Corinne E. Weisgerber.

How can observational evidence be used in different fields of science?

Observational evidence can be used in a variety of scientific fields, including astronomy, biology, ecology, and anthropology. It can help to gather information about natural phenomena, track changes over time, and make predictions about future events.

Similar threads

  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
381
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
12
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
933
Replies
35
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
650
Replies
30
Views
1K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
3
Views
620
Back
Top