Relation between Theory and Practice

Abstract

The history of technology shows that PRACTICE or ‘know-how’ in the useful arts has always preceded SCIENCE or ‘know-why’. In the beginning technology does not possess a body of rational theory open to empirical test. In many times and places the craft knowledge of technology was accompamed by a framework of ‘theory’ formerly considered an integral part of.the practice, which nowadays would be dismissed as superstition. The important guide for technology is TRADITION—adopting practices whose success is proven by, and hallowed by, time. SCIENCE is the attempt to unify knowledge in a framework which is scientific theory. Natural Science aims to explain the behaviour of the physical world. Science has grown out of technology. Astronomy and geometry are the oldest sciences, and grew from the technologies of season prediction, building and town planning. As the theories of Science become more general, they become capable in certain circumstances of predicting that which is not yet known. This is exciting and attracts much attention, but it causes a misconception that theory must largely be in advance of technology and that any ‘gap’ in the reverse direction is abnormal, requires enquiry, and the apportionment of blame. Infact there is necessarily a gap between theory and practice, the reasons for which are considered. The technology of BITUMEN coatmgs from about 5000 BC to the present will be used as an illustration of a ‘know-how’ in advance of its ‘know-why’.