The Aim of Investigation

Abstract

If we wish to say that a complete theory is the final aim of research, the word “theory” must not be used in the sense of §2 of Chapter XXVII, which is that in which it is generally used and which is that of bringing into parallelism a domain of facts with another more familiar domain. Rather must we understand by this word a complete and systematic representation of the facts. So long, however, as this final aim is not yet attained, “theory” in the former sense always signifies an approximation towards a “theory” in the latter sense; and it marks a progress in so far as it gives a more complete picture of the facts than would be possible without its help. So long as a representation is not yet complete, a “theory” in the former sense will therefore have a certain justification as an automatic arranging, constructive, speculative element.