Apie Stebėjimus
On Observations

Summary/Abstract: The paper examines several inaccuracies in the evaluation of the status of ordinary observations in science. The analysis is centered on the examples from writings of Alan Chalmers and Ian Hacking. Concerning Hacking’s „commonplace facts“ about observation, it is noted that an important platitude is under-emphasized: no experiment, no use of instrument is possible without ordinary observation. It is also argued that the Galileo-example presented by Alan Chalmers does not substantiate his claim that an essential change in the standards of science was brought about at that time; that the replacement of inconsistent naked eye observations does not lead to the general distrust of the senses; that an important part of Galileo’s arguments was based on independent ordinary observations. The corrections of ordinary observations and the use of instruments supporting the senses had been known for ages.

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