Indices of theory promise

Philosophy of Science 59 (4):612-634 (1992)
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Abstract

Figuring prominently in their decisions regarding which theories to pursue are scientists' appeals to the promise or lack of promise of those theories. Yet philosophy of science has had little to say about how one is to assess theory promise. This essay identifies several indices that might be consulted to determine whether or not a theory is promising and worthy of pursuit. Various historical examples of appeals to such indices are introduced

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10.1086/289698

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References found in this work

The Aim and Structure of Physical Theory.Pierre Duhem & Philip P. Wiener - 1955 - Science and Society 19 (1):85-87.
The best explanation: Criteria for theory choice.Paul R. Thagard - 1978 - Journal of Philosophy 75 (2):76-92.
The Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences, Founded upon their History.William Whewell - 2016 - Epistemology and Philosophy of Science 47 (1):205-225.

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