Theory Structure and Scientific Change in Molecular Biology

沙夫纳教授正在研究分子生物学的理论结构和研究策略。为了对这些问题制定更全面的方法，他首先进行了三个详细的案例研究：最近对抗体多样性产生的分子解释的历史探索；海兔的简单分子学习机制；以及艾滋病毒病毒生命周期的遗传控制。这些案例研究旨在引导分子生物学中更广泛的理论结构和研究策略的概念化。这种概念化应该包括对分子生物学中的理论、模型、机制、原理和概括的概念结构的检查，以及它们与实验结果和新实验技术的关系。然后，Schaffner教授正在考虑这些要素(例如理论、模型、原则)的方式。。。)随着科学的进步而变化，以及是什么动力因素推动了这种变化。作为这项研究的一部分，他正在检查各种启发式方法，以进行理论和模型更改，以及实验室实验的建议和评估。

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.