Wednesday, March 10, 2010

theories beyond experimental practice?

What is beyond experimental practice? Is that what theory is? Although I am not even close to mastering experimental practice, I know there is something beyond...And if theory is beyond, it then must influence the direction of experimental practice.

If the above is true: when / how does theory become integrated as a representation of society? Or is it only after the tangible fact of experimentation that theory can be tested as a manifestation?
If theory exists at the same time as experimental practice, which it probably does, how can we avoid using theory to rationalize what we do, after the fact?
Or does theory come before practice? I think understanding how to integrate the thought is relevant to the development of process.
If we use the methodology behind modern scientific theory as a motivational factor (the postulate first, then prove), then theory directs experimentation. Thus, we need to establish theory to drive our designs.
Is that where conviction comes into the picture?

2 comments:

  1. Theory is what seperates experimental practice from the mainstream. Whether they are searching for a theory or working in service to a theory, the experimental group is striving to answer the "what's beyond?" question. The derivation of the term avant garde implies a group that is sent out ahead of the rest of society to report back on the future. What's beyond this wave of the avant garde is the next avant garde. If we knew any more specifically than that, there wouldn't be a purpose for the avant garde.

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  2. good point about the cyclical nature....

    Isn't main-stream a theory? Subservient to a way of doing things? Maybe not beyond, but behind...

    So, then, is theory the same as conviction? How we see the world?

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