In science, reality itself is called to testify as a witness
Evidence
The other fundamental aspect of research, the production of proof, takes us in quite a different direction. It is in principle part of an argumentation process designed to win acceptance for a new statement (for example, giving testimony or presenting an exhibit in the case of judicial rhetoric). But it presents a special problem: it is here that the referent (“reality”) is called to the stand and cited in the debate between scientists. — Jean-François Lyotard, The Postmodern Condition, 329
Categorization
- FICTION: The metaphor of reality being ‘called to the stand’ in a courtroom-style debate is a vivid image that could seed a story about a literal trial where reality/testimony is contested.
- XREF: connects to: Witnessing our reality is a fundamental human need. — Lynch, Thomas, The undertaking-life studies from the…, 642; Modern science relocates the observer inside the observed system; One reality supports many independent scientific viewpoints of it — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 207 (+3 more)
Broader Connections
- Modern science relocates the observer inside the observed system
#expands(0.80) - Imagination gives way to a verification mechanism checking accuracy against reality.
#expands(0.80) - One reality supports many independent scientific viewpoints of it
#expands(0.78) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 207 - Witnessing our reality is a fundamental human need.
#corroborates(0.75) — Lynch, Thomas, The undertaking-life studies from the…, 642 - Real-world observation can directly seed a testable research hypothesis
#expands(0.75)