谈胡适的科学方法

On the Scientific Method of Hu Shi

以门捷列夫发明的化学元素周期表等为例,说明早年胡适所提"细心搜求事实,大胆提出假设,再细心求实证"三阶段科学方法的正确性。但简化成"大胆的假设、小心的求证"则易招致误解。他后来说的"勤、谨、和、缓"也是符合上述的科学方法与正确态度。笔者讨论了一些与他人的不同见解。

Taking the periodic table of chemical elements invented by Mendeleev as an example,this paper illustrates the correctness of the three-stage scientific method proposed by Hu Shi in the early years,"Searching for information carefully,putting forward hypotheses boldly,and seeking proof with meticulous care".But it is misleading to simplify it into"bold assumptions and careful verification".What he later emphasized"diligence,discreetness,gentleness and gradualness"were also consistent with his scientific method and correct attitude mentioned above.Some other people’s different opinions were also discussed.