The Ways in Which Scientific Theory, an Axiomatized Deductive System

In order to answer this question, we must define the terms under question: namely what it means to be am axiomatized deductive system and what it means to be a scientific theory. In its definition, "axiomatized" means that there exist certain axioms which serve as givens for anything, and from which everything begins. "Deductive" would mean that in order to uncover meaning or further implications, we must follow from the axioms in a logical deductive way that allows for certainty. Lastly, "system" implies that the entire thing is closed off, separated, and only applicable within itself. A scientific theory, as defined by Hempel is usually introduced when previous study of a class of phenomena has revealed a system of uniformities that can be expressed in the form of empirical laws. Then, the theory seeks to explain those regularities. Lastly, we must define what it means to be a poem. Of course this seems almost trivial, but in order to define the similarities, a poem needs to be given shape. In purest form, a poem is crafted to depict the purpose of the poet through verse, which is then interpreted by the reader. There is ultimately a correct and incorrect view, and all is based upon the reader to interpret it correctly.

Even initially, similarities can be spotted between the three: the easiest of which to notice is the similarity of enclosure: or a system. In math, all the principles apply to a specific field- such as Euclidian geometry that then does not apply for others (like Riemann's). Similarly in science, the system is confined to the natural laws which govern reality. Lastly, in a poem the system is the words on the page, as the interpretation cannot go further than the words that the poet has chosen to depict the purpose. Having easily depicted that they are all like a system, we can move on to investigate the more intricate similarities.

In order for the three to even begin to be similar, they must have axioms to explain what they are, and to allow for further development and ideas. In math, the most common axioms are the postulates that serve as the basis of mathematics and from which stem all the theories and proofs, like Euclid's postulates. It is from these postulates that any theories, derivations, equations, rules and laws can come from. In science, the same principle applies: the laws of science which are upheld the most are used as a check for any scientific theory. While nothing in science is 100% certain, the theory must have tangible ground within the known body of science. Hempel discusses the necessity of the theory to be comprised of basic entities and processes that must be specified with appropriate clarity and precision, for without that, the theory can't prove anything.

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This is similar to the need of deductive logic in math, since without it, the system cannot work and derive its conclusions. Additionally, Hempel states that the assumptions made by a scientific theory must be definite enough to permit the derivation of specific implications concerning the phenomena. This is like the axioms of mathematics, as they both must be able to be used to derive conclusions from, otherwise there is no point in investigation. However, what does a poem have that can act like the axioms of math? Or the laws of science? What governs the derivations and conclusions that can be drawn from the poem? The words.

The title. In a poem, the given axioms are the words that the poet has deliberately laid out to the reader, carefully chosen so as to be readily absorbed and developed. By starting from the axioms of poetry, the reader can continue to postulate his/her own theorems and proofs upon what the poem is about, yet there is only one correct meaning. Similarly, anything that follows from a poem must come from the axioms of its words, just like an axiomatized system, where everything follows from the axioms. The words of a poem are also fruitful, filled with interpretation and meaning that one must uncover to find out more and more about the poem in the search for its meaning. The method upon which the purpose is arrived at also mirrors the deductive logic of math, and the scientific testing of a theory since at first read, only the literal sense is read, but through analysis and deductive evaluation, slowly the pieces fall together to unravel the purpose of the poem. This process cannot be inductive, as the purpose is created by the writer, not the reader, indicating there is a sense of right and wrong. This means that deductively, we can uncover the meaning that the poet intended for.

Additionally, Hemple discusses the parts that make up scientific theories: the internal and bridge principles. The internal principles-like the axioms of math, or the words of a poem-are used specifically within the theory and which characterizes the basic entities and processes of the theory. Afterwards, the bridge principles-like the deductive logic in math, or the reader's interpretation, connects these internal principles to the larger body of math, or the purpose of the poem. It is an important quality of a good theory to connect diverse phenomena because this shows that our empirical laws do not hold strictly and unexceptionally, but are indeed limited. Also, it is good if the theory can predict phenomena that have not yet been noticed. This is similar to mathematics as the axiomatized deductive system seeks to connect a large number of things in order to be good, and it wants to predict the future derivations that will arise from its axioms, but is also similar to a reader's search to uncover the meaning of the poem in order to delve deeper into the understanding of the poet-the more one can uncover the better it is.

Overall, an axiomatized deductive system is present in both scientific theories and in poetry, showing the connection that our knowledge has with each other, even though they are all different.

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