New scientific discoveries in the xx century and intellectual reforms of traditional medicines
- VernacularTitle:XX зууны шинжлэх ухааны шинэ нээлт ба уламжлалт анагаах ухааны оюуны шинэчлэл
- Author:
Bold Sh
1
;
Gerelmaa B
2
;
Naranzul L
2
;
Shagdarsuren D
3
Author Information
1. Mongolian Academy of Medical Sciences
2. Ach Medical University
3. Mongolian University of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Karl Popper;
falsifiability;
Kuhn;
paradigms;
Mongolian medicine
- From:Mongolian Medical Sciences
2023;205(3):5-10
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Falsifiability, according to the philosopher Karl Popper, defines the inherent testability of any scientific
hypothesis. Falsifiability is the assertion that for any hypothesis to have credence, it must be inherently
disprovable before it can become accepted as a scientific hypothesis or theory. The idea is that no
theory is completely correct, but if it can be shown both to be falsifiable and supported with evidence
that shows it’s true, it can be accepted as truth. For example, Newton’s Theory of Gravity was accepted
as truth for centuries, because objects do not randomly float away from the earth. It appeared to fit the
data obtained by experimentation and research but was always subject to testing.
Compare and contrast Popper’s Theory of Falsifiability and Kuhn’s Theory of Paradigms. Popper’s
theory of falsifiability and Kuhn’s theory of paradigms have some significant differences, although they
both argue for falsification as the general research method for all scientific disciplines. In Kuhn’s view,
this is not possible, since any research and knowledge is subjective, it is influenced by the scientist’s
paradigm. But here, a scientist can interpret social behavior on a large scale and from within a specific
worldview, a way that is not open to Popper. The opportunity to find the truth about social reality comes
at the expense of explanatory power.
According to Popper’s Theory of Falsifiability and Kuhn’s Theory of Paradigms, a new paradigm
containing progress, and unique opinions can be seen on pages of “The Mongolian Four Medical
Tantras” written by Sumbe khamba Ishbaljir, and “Satisfaction for the Readers” or Uzegsdiin Bayasgalan by Jigmeddanzanjamts and “Secrets of Prescription Recipes” or Uvidasyn Dalai by Mindol Jambal.
These scholars reflected new concepts that were not specifically clear in the “Four Medical Tantras”
such as warm and cold diseases which were the basis to categorize cold and common diseases
and treat them differently, and the theoretical and practical understanding of the categorization of
infectious diseases, in their book. In order to clarify their paradigm, let’s refer to some historical pages.
Not every scientific progress result in revolution. However, I would like to note that a laggard period
with weak mental development is ended by an intellectual outburst. In other words, although in the
17th century Mongols accepted Tibetan medicine within the frame of the “Four Medical Tantras” with
recognition and a common scientific mind, later in the 18th century they thought beyond the box of
the “Four Medical Tantras” and created the opportunity to develop a new paradigm. This shift made
a valuable contribution to the establishment of, in the broader sense, Mongolian medicine and, in the
smaller sense, Traditional Mongolian Medicine.
- Full text:2026102016592650532MMS-2023-205(3)-5-10.pdf
