Modification:Sciento-2021-0004

Accept that the handling of scientific error as defined by Machado-Marques and Patton, is compatible with the theory rejection theorem.

The modification was suggested to Scientonomy community by Paul Patton and Sarah Machado-Marques on 1 August 2021.1 This modification presupposes the acceptance of Sciento-2021-0003. The modification was accepted on 8 October 2021.

Preamble

TODO: Paul add a preamble

Modification

Accept that, in scientific practice, the handling of error is fully in accord with the theory rejection theorem.

Theories To Accept

• Error Rejection by Replacement (Machado-Marques-Patton-2021): The handling of instances of scientific error is consistent with the theory rejection theorem; it involves a replacement of an erroneously accepted theory either with a first- or second-order proposition.

Questions Answered

This modification attempts to answer the following question(s):

• Mechanism of Error Rejection: When epistemic agent discover that a theory was accepted erroneously, they often reject the theory; the theory rejection theorem suggests that those propositions are replaced by something. What are they replaced by?

Verdict

The modification was accepted on 8 October 2021. The commentators agreed that "the historical cases of scientific error identified and treated by Machado-Marques and Patton effectively demonstrate the compatibility of instances of scientific error with the theory rejection theorem".^{c1 c2 c3} It was agreed that the rejection of a theory that was accepted erroneously can be "a result of the acceptance of other theories incompatible with it - be these some first- or second-order theories".^{c4 c5 c6} One commentator expressed a common opinion when saying that "the authors are able to put to rest concerns about the handling of scientific error potentially contravening the theory rejection theorem".^c7

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