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Problem-Centering vs. Means-Centering in Science

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 March 2022

A. H. Maslow
A. H. Maslow*
Affiliation:
Brooklyn College
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Means-centered approach to science is contrasted with a problem-centered orientation. Overstress on and too exclusive concern with method, instrument, technique or procedure fosters the following mistakes:

1) Emphasis on polish and elegance rather than on vitality, significance and creativeness.

2) Giving the commanding positions in science to technicians rather than discoverers.

3) Over-valuation of quantification for its own sake.

4) Fitting problems to techniques rather than vice-versa.

5) Creation of a false and pernicious hierarchical system among the sciences.

6) Overstrong compartmentalization between the sciences.

7) Emphasis on the difference rather than the similarities between scientists and other truth-seekers (poets, novelist, artists, philosophers).

8) Creation of a scientific orthodoxy, which in turn a) tends to block the development of new methods, b) tends to exclude many problems from the jurisdiction of science and c) tends to make scientists “safe” rather than daring and unconventional.

9) Neglect of the problems of values, with a consequent blurring of the criteria for judging the worth or importance of an experiment.

Type
Research Article
Information
Philosophy of Science , Volume 13 , Issue 4 , October 1946 , pp. 326 - 331
Copyright
Copyright © The Philosophy of Science Association 1946

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References

Notes

1 The writer concedes that “method” is defined by some in a very broad and very sophisticated manner in order to avoid foreseen dangers. I consider even this to be a mistake if only because undesirable conclusions are drawn by less wise individuals no matter how they are forewarned.