DUALISTIC SYSTEMS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING PRACTICE

Abstract

Civil engineering practice and research can often make good use of scientific methods which have been gradually developed through the evolution of philosophy and the whole civilization history of mankind. Many principles in the philosophy of science have a twofold or dualistic character. This paper describes the usual dualistic methodological systems, such as holistic/atomistic, analytic/synthetic, inductive/deductive, agreeing/disagreeing, rational/empirical, aprioristic/aposterioric, quantitative/qualitative or descriptive/ normative systems. Along with the brief presentation of each system or method, also its linking to a civil engineering branch is given, either as one possible application field, or as an example which clarifies the principle. Also, combined dualistic problem solving systems, such as zigzag systems are dealt with. The text is enriched with aphorisms which are an essential part of the paper and declare the dualistic attitude from various sides

KEY WORDS:

• Dualism
• practice
• science
• analysis
• synthesis
• deduction
• induction
• civil engineering
• system