Scientific Theories Instrumentalism - Free Essay Example

The view that scientific theories do not describe reality and that they are mere tools for prediction describes instrumentalism. In a nutshell, the view describes scientific theories such as those of mathematical-logical conception among others. This essay will focus on instrumentalism, the mathematical-logical conception of scientific theories and how the view leads to instrumentalism of scientific theories. Philosophy of science springs around several enigmatic issues that philosophers are striving to unravel, deduce their meaning and bring into light their sole concepts. There is a view that the concepts of science, as well as the theories, is a factor determined by the extent to which these concepts and theories make precise empirical predictions or resolve technical problems. However, the same concepts and theories are never determined by their correspondence to authenticity in some sense or whether they are factual (Barker and Kitcher pp. 34). The expression that scientific theories should be reflected as gears for resolution of possible glitches rather than as an evocative description of the natural realm is a view that defines instrumentalism. Instrumentalism questions the sense of thinking of uncertain terms as conforming to external realism; a sense that opposes scientific realism. This refers to the view of scientific realism as not only a mere generator of scientific predictio ns but also to precisely describe the realm. Mathematical, logical conceptions of scientific theories provide a great deal in the explanation of scientific concepts and theories. In this sense, a set of axioms with their rational consequences defines a theory. This explanation is figured out in the history of natural sciences where Newton and Descartes tried to copy Euclid in the presentation of definitions of axioms, rules, and postulates. Development of new tools of mathematical logic presented a more clear understanding compared to Euclid’s axiomatization model which later failed (Barker and Kitcher pp. 34). Other philosophers who were experts in the field demonstrated how Euclidian model could be recast into a theory in a far logical sense. Their aim was further inclined towards working similarly on the other scientific theories such as the theories of evolution and relativity where the project was a success especially in the fields of physics. A general conception was inspired by the project where scientific theorie s promised to explain the proper use of technical languages. Apart from the reasonable and mathematical terms, scientific theories are self-evident schemes with suiting terminologies divided into a pair of parts. The observational language is the one that contains terms that can be studied and apply to things in the visible part of nature while the theoretical lingual involves the terms; illogical expressions that cannot be so erudite. Meaning is appended on the theoretical language because the underlying rules link its practical expressions to phenomena that can be observed. The theories so far have faced some technical difficulties with one of them being the idea that rational proposition shows that every philosophy has an opposition with axioms understood primarily in observational terms yet with observational consequences that are similar to those of the primary (Barker and Kitcher pp. 34). This has led to the adoption of instrumentalism by some philosophers as a response to such difficulties; the view that theories are tools for the exped ient forecast of observable occurrence. Despite the fact that scientific realism and instrumentalism entangle to some degree, both have been explained to an amicable level that provides more than an average distinction. However, mathematical, logical conceptions, as well as other scientific theories, revolve around the concepts explained in the two antagonistic philosophical logics

Tips for Executive MBA Reapplicants

If you have been rejected by an Executive MBA program, it often comes down to one of four reasons (or combination thereof): Your academic record was not strong enough to convince the admissions committee you could handle the rigor of an EMBA program, Your work experience was not sufficient/relevant enough yet to be considered a solid addition to the program, Your application wasn’t differentiated enough from the rest of the applicant pool, or, You did not show adequate interest in the program to warrant an offer of admission. All of these reasons can be mitigated, with time and effort on your part. At the end of the day there is still no guarantee of admission, but after taking a hard look and assessing your situation you can make yourself a much stronger candidate by addressing the pertinent issues. Academic Record A low GPA in and of itself is not a reason to ding an applicant. What tends to concern schools is when a transcript shows consistently low grades in subjects that are important to be competent in to do well in an MBA program – quantitative subjects in particular. If you do have quantitative weakness, enroll in an Algebra or Statistics course (or both) at a local college – a traditional class as opposed to online is preferred. Get strong grades, and submit that transcript with your new application. In the optional essay, express how you recognize the admissions committee might have been concerned about your quantitative abilities, but the new grades should allay those concerns. Also, lay out any additional plans you may have prior to joining the program to bolster your skills – MBA Math, for example. Work Experience In this situation, time and more leadership experience are probably the two best ways to enhance your application. The average years of work experience in an EMBA program is typically 10-15. Some schools specifically state the minimum years of experience necessary to apply. While I was at Cornell, we never seriously considered anyone with less than five years of experience, and when we did admit someone on that lower end of the scale, there was some sort of clear indication the individual was a superstar at his or her organization. So, if you are in the lower range of experience, seek out more high-profile leadership opportunities (at work and/or in extracurriculars), and work on putting together that â€Å"superstar† profile. Lack of Differentiation Differentiation is more of an issue for some groups than others. If you are a veterinarian who focuses on equine health, you can probably count on the fact there won’t be a large pool of applicants with similar backgrounds to yours. If you are an Indian male with a computer science degree working at a software company, lack of differentiation is more likely to be a possible factor. If you are in a well-represented group, you need to work that much harder to make your application stand out. If you don’t have any work examples that really show your uniqueness, then look to activities or interests you have outside of work. If you have a leadership role at Toastmasters, talk about that if you have an open-ended question. If you did some volunteer work in Africa, talk about that. You need to do some soul-searching to figure out what will grab the attention of the admissions committee if you are demographically-challenged. Program Interest Admissions committees realize most applicants consider multiple options, as they should, and most have a clear first choice school. What tends to bother admissions folks is when it’s obvious an applicant is only applying to a school because it’s a brand name and would be an â€Å"ok† fallback. How can they tell an applicant’s lack of interest? It’s pretty easy – never came to an information session, never visited the campus, never reached out to anyone on the admissions committee, and/or put reasons like â€Å"location† and â€Å"reputation† in the essay as to why he/she would like to come to the school. With EMBA classes quite small compared to fulltime programs, it is a distinct possibility an applicant with stellar qualifications could be dinged – why offer a spot to someone who clearly has no real interest in attending? If you feel this might be why you were rejected, this reason can be mitigated or eliminated as well. Reach out to admissions committee members and ask questions that show you’ve both done your homework and are thinking seriously about their school. Start sending signals indicating your sincere interest. Not sure where your application might be lacking? The good news about most Executive MBA programs is that with smaller applicant pools, admissions officers typically have more time to devote to individual applicants. Therefore, make a call and see if you can receive feedback on your application. Reapplying to executive MBA programs? An Accepted EMBA admissions expert is available to provide a critical analysis of your rejected application and help you develop a successful game plan for the future.   Jen Weld is a former  Assistant Director of Admissions at Cornell’s EMBA program. She has an additional 10 years of experience in higher ed and corporate marketing.  Want Jen to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: †¢ School-Specific EMBA Application Essay Tips †¢Ã‚  5 Key Elements for Your Executive MBA Application †¢ Stand Out! A Critical Goal for Your Application, a podcast episode Tips for Executive MBA Reapplicants If you have been rejected by an Executive MBA program, it often comes down to one of four reasons (or combination thereof): Your academic record was not strong enough to convince the admissions committee you could handle the rigor of an EMBA program, Your work experience was not sufficient/relevant enough yet to be considered a solid addition to the program, Your application wasn’t differentiated enough from the rest of the applicant pool, or, You did not show adequate interest in the program to warrant an offer of admission. All of these reasons can be mitigated, with time and effort on your part. At the end of the day there is still no guarantee of admission, but after taking a hard look and assessing your situation you can make yourself a much stronger candidate by addressing the pertinent issues. Academic Record A low GPA in and of itself is not a reason to ding an applicant. What tends to concern schools is when a transcript shows consistently low grades in subjects that are important to be competent in to do well in an MBA program – quantitative subjects in particular. If you do have quantitative weakness, enroll in an Algebra or Statistics course (or both) at a local college – a traditional class as opposed to online is preferred. Get strong grades, and submit that transcript with your new application. In the optional essay, express how you recognize the admissions committee might have been concerned about your quantitative abilities, but the new grades should allay those concerns. Also, lay out any additional plans you may have prior to joining the program to bolster your skills – MBA Math, for example. Work Experience In this situation, time and more leadership experience are probably the two best ways to enhance your application. The average years of work experience in an EMBA program is typically 10-15. Some schools specifically state the minimum years of experience necessary to apply. While I was at Cornell, we never seriously considered anyone with less than five years of experience, and when we did admit someone on that lower end of the scale, there was some sort of clear indication the individual was a superstar at his or her organization. So, if you are in the lower range of experience, seek out more high-profile leadership opportunities (at work and/or in extracurriculars), and work on putting together that â€Å"superstar† profile. Lack of Differentiation Differentiation is more of an issue for some groups than others. If you are a veterinarian who focuses on equine health, you can probably count on the fact there won’t be a large pool of applicants with similar backgrounds to yours. If you are an Indian male with a computer science degree working at a software company, lack of differentiation is more likely to be a possible factor. If you are in a well-represented group, you need to work that much harder to make your application stand out. If you don’t have any work examples that really show your uniqueness, then look to activities or interests you have outside of work. If you have a leadership role at Toastmasters, talk about that if you have an open-ended question. If you did some volunteer work in Africa, talk about that. You need to do some soul-searching to figure out what will grab the attention of the admissions committee if you are demographically-challenged. Program Interest Admissions committees realize most applicants consider multiple options, as they should, and most have a clear first choice school. What tends to bother admissions folks is when it’s obvious an applicant is only applying to a school because it’s a brand name and would be an â€Å"ok† fallback. How can they tell an applicant’s lack of interest? It’s pretty easy – never came to an information session, never visited the campus, never reached out to anyone on the admissions committee, and/or put reasons like â€Å"location† and â€Å"reputation† in the essay as to why he/she would like to come to the school. With EMBA classes quite small compared to fulltime programs, it is a distinct possibility an applicant with stellar qualifications could be dinged – why offer a spot to someone who clearly has no real interest in attending? If you feel this might be why you were rejected, this reason can be mitigated or eliminated as well. Reach out to admissions committee members and ask questions that show you’ve both done your homework and are thinking seriously about their school. Start sending signals indicating your sincere interest. Not sure where your application might be lacking? The good news about most Executive MBA programs is that with smaller applicant pools, admissions officers typically have more time to devote to individual applicants. Therefore, make a call and see if you can receive feedback on your application. Reapplying to executive MBA programs? An Accepted EMBA admissions expert is available to provide a critical analysis of your rejected application and help you develop a successful game plan for the future.   Jen Weld is a former  Assistant Director of Admissions at Cornell’s EMBA program. She has an additional 10 years of experience in higher ed and corporate marketing.  Want Jen to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: †¢ School-Specific EMBA Application Essay Tips †¢Ã‚  5 Key Elements for Your Executive MBA Application †¢ Stand Out! A Critical Goal for Your Application, a podcast episode