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Established Theories

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 April 2022

Fritz Rohrlich  and
Larry Hardin
Fritz Rohrlich
Affiliation:
Department of Physics, Syracuse University
Larry Hardin
Affiliation:
Department of Philosophy, Syracuse University
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Abstract

Criteria are given to characterize mature theories in contradistinction to developing theories. We lean heavily on the physical sciences. An established theory is defined as a mature one with known validity limits. The approximate truth of such theories is thereby given a quantitative character. Superseding theories do not falsify established theories because the latter are protected by their validity limits. This view of scientific realism leads to ontological levels and cumulativity of knowledge. It is applied to a defense of realism against recent attacks by Laudan.

Type
Research Article
Information
Philosophy of Science , Volume 50 , Issue 4 , December 1983 , pp. 603 - 617
Copyright
Copyright © Philosophy of Science Association 1983

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Footnotes

†

We are indebted to Professor Donald T. Campbell for his continued encouragement during the initial phases of this work.

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