Critique of Empirical Evidence and Formal Methods in Software Engineering

Summary

The article is a critique of the software engineering field's approach to empirical evidence and formal methods. The author, who advocates for both empirical software engineering and formal methods, expresses frustration with the lack of rigorous empirical studies in software engineering. They argue that while formal methods are promoted as beneficial for catching defects early, there's insufficient empirical evidence to support these claims. The piece examines the disconnect between theoretical claims and actual evidence in software engineering practices, highlighting the need for more scientific rigor in the field.