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    Ad hoc constraints introduced solely to block counterexam... — Carmelics
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    Supports→Psillos's additional condition for valid rule-circular arguments is not clearly justified.

    Ad hoc constraints introduced solely to block counterexamples undermine the theoretical integrity of the account they are meant to support.

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    1 reason for
    1 reason against

    Reasons For

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    Reason for
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    • 1.Theories gain explanatory power through unified principles, not scattered exceptions. Ad hoc patches fragment coherence and obscure underlying mechanisms.
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    • 2.If constraints exist solely to eliminate counterexamples rather than from independent theoretical motivation, they lack justification beyond circular reasoning.
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    • 3.Scientific progress requires theories that predict novel phenomena. Ad hoc modifications are unfalsifiable and prevent empirical testing of core claims.
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    Reasons Against

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    • 1.Distinguishing 'ad hoc' from 'principled' constraints is often subjective. What appears unmotivated initially may reflect genuine structural features discovered later.
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    • 2.All theories require boundary conditions and limiting clauses. Rejecting every constraint that blocks counterexamples would eliminate any workable theory entirely.
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    • 3.Integrity depends on explanatory success, not on minimizing constraints. A well-motivated account with necessary qualifications beats a simple but false one.
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    Related

    All theories require boundary conditions and limiting clauses. Rejecting every c...Distinguishing 'ad hoc' from 'principled' constraints is often subjective. What ...If constraints exist solely to eliminate counterexamples rather than from indepe...Integrity depends on explanatory success, not on minimizing constraints. A well-...
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    Psillos's additional condition for valid rule-circular arguments is not clearly ...Scientific progress requires theories that predict novel phenomena. Ad hoc modif...Theories gain explanatory power through unified principles, not scattered except...

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