Theory Structure and Scientific Change in Molecular Biology

沙夫纳教授正在研究理论结构和研究 分子生物学中的策略。 为了开发一个更 对于这些问题，他首先提出了三点建议。 详细的案例研究：最近的历史调查 抗体多样性产生的分子解释; 简单的分子学习机制;和遗传 控制艾滋病毒的生命周期。 这些案例研究是 旨在引导理论结构的更广泛概念化 以及分子生物学的研究策略。 这 概念化应包括审查概念 理论、模型、机制、原则和 分子生物学中的一般化，以及它们与 实验结果和新的实验技术。 教授 然后，沙夫纳正在考虑如何将这些元素（例如， 理论模型原则. .)随着科学的进步而改变， 以及什么样的动力因素推动了这些变化。 作为其中的一部分 在研究中，他正在研究各种理论和模型 变化和实验室实验的建议和评价。

Professor Schaffner is examining theory structure and research strategies in molecular biology. In order to develop a more general approach to these issues, he is first undertaking three detailed case studies: a recent historical inquiry into the molecular explanation of the generation of antibody diversity; simple molecular learning mechanisms in Aplysia; and the genetic control of the life cycle of the HIV virus. These case studies are intended to lead to a broader conceptualization of theory structure and research strategies in molecular biology. This conceptualization should include an examination of the conceptual structure of theories, models, mechanisms, principles, and generalizations in molecular biology, and their relations to experimental results and new experimental technologies. Professor Schaffner is then considering ways in which these elements (e.g. theories, models, principles . . .) change as science progresses, and what dynamical factors drive such changes. As part of this study, he is examining various heuristics for theory and model changes and the proposal and evaluation of laboratory experiments.