Facts are not facts

My point of departure in this article is a conception of science which on various points differs essentially from positivism. Firstly, I believe that every conception of science inherently implies a conception of man. Secondly, I do not -regard the acquisition of knowledge as the mere receipt, registration and classification of data and the consequent determination of conformities, regularities, etc., in the empirical data thus processed. Thirdly, I do not accept the notion that a sharp dividing line exists between fact and norm. Having said this, I hasten to add that neither do I accept a natural law doctrine, rationalistic or otherwise. In my view, an essential characteristic of scientific practice is to test theses not only on their mutual compatibility or consistency but also on their empirical tenability.The question is, however, what is understood by experience and by testing?