The SM is a fundamental methodology that can be and is used across a number of disciplines including medical diagnosis and fire investigation. Different fundamental knowledge to be applied, but using the same basic methodology.

I agree with the premise that it is both an art and a science. Science is the compilation of reliable knowledge that can be used to both formulate and test hypotheses. I would argue that the art is applied when one considers hypotheses based on education, knowledge, and experience, when looking for evidence to formulate a hypothesis, and in the testing of hypotheses. There is a creative and imaginative aspect to artfully applying the SM.

In grad school, I remember going to conferences and seminars and listening to researchers describe their methodology for conducting their experiments and now they correlated the data to produce their results. Some researches used previously known methods, while others were very creative and intuitive in their approach. This was an art and those who were at the forefront of well-respected research methods were recognized by their unique methods, even if only a handful at any given time.

Application of fundamentals to specific problems is an art. Soot agglomeration patterns on the surfaces sounders of smoke detectors is a reasonable example of such.The art is in seeing things that may not be readily apparent to others.

I also do not find such characterization as binary. It is both an art and science.

Douglas J. Carpenter, MScFPE, CFEI, PE, FSFPE
Vice President & Principal Engineer
Combustion Science & Engineering, Inc.
8940 Old Annapolis Road, Suite L
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 884-3266
(410) 884-3267 (fax)
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