Is that true...?: thoughts on the epistemology of patterns

• Authors: Christian Kohls;Stefanie Panke
• Venue: Proceedings of the 16th Conference on Pattern Languages of Programs
• Year: 2009

This paper presents a theoretical perspective on patterns derived from epistemology and theory of science. We argue that patterns are specific kinds of theories and that the process of pattern mining is similar to scientific discovery. Exploring the concepts of induction, deduction and abduction with respect to patterns, we reflect upon common methods of pattern mining in the pattern community. This allows for a critical discussion of the level of confidence and corroboration of patterns. We suggest new research questions on the mining and evaluation of patterns. For the scientific scholar the paper offers arguments that pattern mining is a research process with outcomes as reliable and sound as other scientific procedures. This justification is needed to establish the pattern approach as a scientific methodology beyond the scope of the pattern community. For the pragmatic pattern practitioner, e.g. users and authors of patterns, this paper encourages the critical reflection on the pattern concept. Patterns are not tried-and-true per se, just like theories they have to be subjected to empirical tests. Understanding the epistemological nature of patterns is crucial to derive criteria for pattern quality, e.g. the degrees of corroboration, and the limits of objectivism -- especially since patterns are not only descriptive documentation but normative instructions, designed to have an impact on shaping our environments.