[OPE-L:6621] what is the more important question?

["gerald_a_levy" <gerald_a_levy@xxxxxxx>]

A simple question for all:

 

Suppose that there are two theories that purport to explain

Subject 'C'. 

 

Theory A developed by 'Y' predates Theory B developed by

'Z'. 

 

Z's Theory B was 'inspired' by Y's Theory A.

 

There are (at least) 2 questions that have been raised:

 

1) what exactly was Y's Theory A?

    This has been discussed by advocates of both A

    and B.

 

2) is Theory B  'better than'  Theory A or vice versa? 

    Those who argue that Theory B is _different from_

    Theory A (a point that many advocates of Theory

    B openly acknowledge) have occasionally stated

    that Theory B "MAY BE BETTER" than Theory

    A but that is not their main concern which is 1)

    above.

 

Is it more important to understand C (the subject

matter) or Y's Theory A (which 'inspired'  Z's Theory

B)?

 

*Which is the more important question: 1) or 2)?*

 

Unless one thinks that a history of thought

question  is  more important than comprehending the

subject matter itself (C),  isn't  2) necessarily the

primary and most important question?

 

In solidarity, Jerry