Observation, Theory and Domains

In this chapter we consider how abandoning the full Theory-Dependence of Observation Thesis (TDOT) affects our view of classification. We define a scientific Theory (capital-T) as something distinct from the notion that phenomena are observed based on prior criteria of salience to an observer, and adopt the Bogen—Woodward notion of a phenomenon as a pattern in data. A phenomenon, including a classification, is the explicandum that Theory explains. We then consider the question whether Theory from outside a domain of investigation counts as theory-dependence within the domain, and thus ask what a domain is in science. We set up a “domain conundrum” — how can a science get started when there is no Theory of its domain?