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    Carmelics

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    Home/Original/inverse
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    Inverse View

    It is not the case that Duhem showed that theoretical models face empirical tests only as holistic systems, not as individual components isolable by analogical comparison.

    ?Set your confidence on the premises below to see your aggregate.

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
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    • 1.Some theoretical components (e.g., logical laws, basic measurement standards) function as stable anchors that do constrain individual hypotheses.
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    • 2.If all components were equally revisable, science could never rationally prefer one theory to another, making empirical progress unintelligible.
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    • 3.Controlled experiments isolating variables demonstrate that specific hypotheses can be tested independently of most background theory.
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    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.Experiments require auxiliary hypotheses about apparatus, initial conditions, and background theory to yield testable predictions.
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    • 2.Falsifying a prediction underdetermines which component of a theoretical system actually failed, allowing rational belief retention.
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    • 3.Historical cases show scientists adjusted background assumptions rather than reject core theories when experiments conflicted with predictions.
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