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Omitting Data—Ethical or Strategic Problem?

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Abstract

Omitting experimental data is often considered a violation of scientific integrity. If we consider experimental inquiry as a questioning process, omitting data is seen to be merely an example of tentatively rejecting (‘bracketing’) some of nature’s answers. Such bracketing is not only occasionally permissible; sometimes it is mandated by optimal interrogative strategies. When to omit data is therefore a strategic rather than ethical question. These points are illustrated by reference to Millikan’s oil drop experiment.

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Correspondence to Jaakko Hintikka.

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Hintikka, J. Omitting Data—Ethical or Strategic Problem?. Synthese 145, 169–176 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-005-3745-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-005-3745-4

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