The foundation of Scrum

Scrum is founded on an empirical process theory of knowledge, or empiricism. Empiricism is derived from the Greek word Empeiria, that is, experience. It is the theory that all knowledge should be based on, and justified by, practical experience. Learning is based on our observations, perception, and experience gained from practice. Empiricism is often contrasted with rationalism, another theory of knowledge that regards reason as the chief source and standard of knowledge. In other words, rationalism determines truth based on the adoption of and adherence to intellectual templates and standards. Empiricism, on the other hand, determines truth based on the results of experimentation, evaluation of evidence, and its alignment with a perceived useful outcome.

At this point, you're probably asking yourself What has this philosophical stuff got to do with software development? Allow me to use a simple thought experiment:

Alice is managing a widget factory...