A positive science is a symbolic model (SM) integrated in GCL, which is
associated to an external reality. Let's explain this statement.
1. The existence of a fundamental symbolic model called General Communication
Language (GCL) is supposed. This symbolic model contains absolutely all
words, together with their definitions. The definitions can be more or less
precise, logically consistent or not, can be or not accepted by some or
others. GCL is the common language formed spontaneously between people in
their inter-relations along the milleniums.
2. We choose a word (term) T from GCL.
3. Let's suppose that there is a positive science SM, that could include the
term T.
4. The term T, that should be studied by SM, has to be included in SM. For
this purpose, T has to be redefined within the frame of SM. SM can
integrate a new term only if this term is defined within SM. Thus T will
have one definition in GCL and another generated by SM.
Example: The term 'force' has one definition in GCL and another in Newton's
Mechanics. The predictions of Newton's Mechanics refer only to the term
'force' as it had been defined within Newton's Mechanics.
5. As soon as T has been included in SM, SM generates the relationships
between T and other elements, and makes predictions that include T. These
predictions can then be compared with external reality.
6. If the predictions of SM related to T prove to be acceptable, then SM is
considered useful in understanding T. If the predictions are unacceptable,
then SM is inadequate in understanding T. In neither case, SM can be
considered correct or incorrect.
7. Any prediction connected to T has to be associated with the SM which
produced it.
Example: Gravity is a supposition of Newton's theory. In his theory gravity is
a property of the mass of a physical body. In Einstein's theory (another
symbolic model), gravity is a property of space and mass. Both theories give
good predictions in known specific situations.
8. As the predictions of SM related to T are proved acceptable, SM is
considered suitable in understanding T and thus, the predictions of SM
including T can be associated with the term knowledge.
Knowledge based on an acceptable SM is the purpose of any positive science.
We'll see now an extremely complex example. We have intentionally chosen a
term which practically has no definition in GCL (the definitions is unclear)
and has no associated direct data and facts from the external reality. The
term chosen is 'alien' (ET).
To study within a positive science a term like ET seems impossible; we will
see that this is not so. According to the logical schematic presented, we need
a symbolic model (a positive science), which in our example is MDT itself.
Generation of a definition of the term ET in MDT means that we accept that ETs
have a brain and more, their brain works based on the same principle as the
human brain. This can be difficult to accept, but independent of the used SM
(MDT or another), the situation is the same: SM generates the definition of
ET, whatever SM is, and whatever the definition of ET in GCL might be. We'll
try to explain ET in MDT.
Let's activate MDT with ET included. MDT considers that the basic functions of
the brain are the construction of image models [I] and symbolic models [S].
Let's define a human brain [H] with the parameters I=1, S=1. It is very likely
that ET will not have the same parameters. Let's suppose a model of ET with
the parameters ET(1,10)(the same capacity to build image models as humans, but
ten times capacity to build symbolic models). This is just a possible example.
In a complete analysis we need to use a collection of values (I,S).
After having choosen a pair (I,S), we start operating MDT with ET included. We
can ask a first question, e.g. how can the interaction between a human H(1,1)
and an ET(1,10) look like? Which are the tendencies of the ET? Do they want to
communicate, do they want to be friends or enemies, etc.
MDT can't answer these questions yet. We need to calibrate the model.
Calibration is done asking questions with known answers.
For instance, a dog might be associated to D(0.1,0) (10% of the capacity to
operate image models compared to a human and zero capacity to operate symbolic
models). We have the tendency to communicate with dogs and do not have an
exagerated tendency to exterminate them. On the other hand, we have the
tendency to exterminate mosquitoes which have an extremely low I value and
S=0.
We can go on with calibration studying the interaction among humans. For
instance, the Asiatic have clearly a higher I value than the Europeans, and
the Europeans have higher S.
Once the system is somehow calibrated, extrapolation to given situations is
possible. Based on prediction, we can evaluate which are the limits for I and
S for a friendly or unfriendly interaction.
Let's not forget that no prediction of the model can be verified yet in
interaction with external reality. However, the fact that we have a collection
of predictions, brings us a huge advantage. If some facts from external
reality could be in the range of predictions of the model, we will be already
prepared to interpret them in specific conditions. Thus, some facts can be
explained if ET had a certain formula. Anyways, we already have a collection
of probable behaviours, which represents a big advantage, when some facts from
external reality could be explained by the existence of ET.
We can go even further. Depending on the formula chosen for ET, models of
civilisation could be built for each type of ET. Again, the model can be
calibration based on known types of human society, including those existing in
the past, and extrapolating to various formulas for ET.
Please remember that even if ET existed in external reality, and even if MDT
gave exact predictions, it does not result from here in any way, that ET have
brains which function as MDT considers.
A positive science only declares the model and gives predictions. If, based on
verifying the predictions, we get confidence in the model, then the model will
be used in other similar situations, as useful. Never and with no positive
science do we expect that it will show us "the truth" or it will offer
guarantees or certainties. A positive science, as we have shown above, makes
predictions. If the model makes good predictions, we will use it again, and
that's all.
Let's see another possible direct practical application associated to the
above example. We could build models to tell us what could happen with human
society if S=2. Or, what would happen if the dispersion in S increases too
much. This means to find out, for instance, if a danger exists for
civilization if 50% of humans have S=0.5 and 50% have S=1.5. Perspectives look
fascinating!