The Methodology of the Researches of Geological Science - Petrology as an Example

摘要

Geological phenomenon represents a kind of eternal motion of matter in nature that embodies different geological processes with immense space and eternal flux of time and shows interconnection with each other. Being controlled by this uniqueness, the study of geological science belongs to a higher form of motion of matter with its own geological constraints, and cannot be replaced by the lower form of motions, yet, their physico-chemical constraints are necessities to reveal the innate nature of geological process. The study of geological process relies fundamentally on the observation in nature, whereupon the method of approximation is generally admitted as the working principle, which constitutes tlie alternations from inference to observation in approaching the truth. Herein, the abduction adopted by C. S. Peirce as the inference to the best explanation both by inductive and deductive methods, is best suited to this approach. In the history of the investigation of geological science, the controversy of the conceptual idea generally occurs among the important topics with vigour. In reality, this debate largely images the opposites of the contradiction of the geological process, and proceeds to elaborate them to a new unity for further debate to reacii finally its verity. It is considered as the impetus in promoting the development of geological science. Some examples of petrology are also discussed.