1. Adding a Dimension to the Philosophy of Science
Tatiana Medvedeva
and
Stuart Umpleby

2. The correspondence principle
“Any new theory should reduce to the old theory to which it corresponds for those cases in which the old theory is known to hold”
A way to identify important contributions to the development of a scientific field
Add a new dimension that had previously been neglected

3. Examples from physics
In the gas laws take account of the diameter of molecules, not just pressure, volume and temperature
In relativity theory the Lorenz transformations consider the speed of light when calculating mass, length, and time

4. Two dimensions
A dimension can be added to the philosophy of science not just to a scientific field
Changing the philosophy of science changes the way all of science is done
First, pay attention to the observer (second order cybernetics)
Second, pay attention to the receiving society

5. Examples of observer effects
Relativity theory (physics)
Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (elementary particles, physics)
Knowing subjects (social sciences)
The sociology of knowledge
The training and experiences of the scientist (cybernetics)

6. Examples of societal effects
Unintended consequences, for example of technologies
Studies of science, technology and society
Understanding the social context in which theories are formulated
Taking account of values, beliefs, and institutions before recommending policies

7. First and second order cybernetics
Observed systems
The purpose of a model
Controlled systems
Interaction among variables in a system
Theories of social systems
Observing systems
The purpose of the modeler
Autonomous systems
Interaction between observer and observed
Theories of the interaction between ideas and society

8. Example of economic theories
Economic theories were developed primarily in Western Europe and the US
Economic theories assume certain values and beliefs among people and institutions in society
In societies with different values and beliefs economic policies will have different outcomes

9. US vs. Russia A history of individual initiative
Private ownership well established
Efficiency is achieved when profit-oriented units compete
Many mediating institutions
A history of central planning
Collective ownership assumed
Efficiency is achieved when expertise is brought together
Few if any mediating institutions

10. Examples of unintended consequences in Russia
Efficiency meant concentrating expertise, so privatizing firms created monopolies, not competition
New owners of firms did not invest in them but rather stripped assets and sent them out of the country, because they thought the government would take back control