Well...
In science we start with observations about the natural world.
We construct a theory by means of
induction (generalising from a few basic principles).
If true, the theory aught to tell us more about the world than the observations that spawned it (or it wouldn't be a generalisation). These are predictions, and can be tested for. By doing so we see if our deduced theory was sound.
In math we start with axioms about an abstract world (where things like perfect circles exist).
We construct a proved theorem by means of
deduction (the conclusion follows necessarily from the stated premises).
The proved theorem is true.
I'd say science works by means of induction, and math by means of deduction.
Science tells us things about the natural world, and mathematics about an abstract world where certain axioms hold true.
This message has been edited by Maxwell's Demon, 08-29-2005 10:35 PM
™ Version 4.2
