Extra-Structural and Intra-Structural Criteria for the Truth of Scientific Knowledge

Abstract

Scientific theory has been considered as a true, reliable, convincing, acceptable form of knowledge in this article. Having revealed the foundations of the substantiation of a scientific theory, the following non-structural criteria for the truth of scientific knowledge have been highlighted: verification, falsification, historical justification, compliance with the theories existing in a considered area and period, the alignment and adjustability of the paradigm of theories of a considered period, the scientific picture of the world, the worldview from the socio-cultural and historical systems, etc.

Intra-structural criteria for the truth of scientific knowledge include requirements for the structure of a scientific theory: independence of hypotheses, axioms, basic laws, premises, as well as consistency, completeness, together with simplicity of conclusions, coming from their provisions.

In this context, it has been emphasized that extra-structural and intra-structural criteria for the truth, reliability and persuasiveness of historical knowledge differ. The criteria for the non-structural truth of historical knowledge are historical validity, compliance with the knowledge of a considered period, inclusion of the scientific picture of the world and worldview in the sociocultural, historical system. Intra-structural criteria include accuracy, consistency, consistency, completeness, generalization, imagery, and a beautiful style of presentation of historical knowledge.

Scientific truth has been defined as the correspondence of scientific knowledge to reality, that is, it is knowledge that has sufficient basis, validity and persuasiveness in a particular sociocultural, historical context.