A revolution without tooth and claw-redefining the physical base units

Area of Science:

• Metrology and Philosophy of Science
• Fundamental Physical Constants
• Scientific Progress

Background:

• Major metrology institutes proposed redefining the kilogram, ampere, mole, and kelvin.
• The redefinition process lacked typical experimental or theoretical triggers.
• Implementation involved a consensus-based voting procedure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the philosophical implications of the base unit redefinition.
• To examine the episode through the lens of confirmation holism.
• To assess the applicability of Thomas Kuhn's criteria for scientific revolutions.

Main Methods:

• Case study analysis of the redefinition of SI base units.
• Philosophical examination of scientific progress and theory testing.
• Application of concepts from the philosophy of science, including confirmation holism and paradigm shifts.

Main Results:

• The redefinition process provides evidence for confirmation holism, where fundamental scientific statements are tested collectively.
• The episode aligns with criteria for scientific revolutions, despite being perceived as normal science.
• Confirmation holism offers a potential source for revolutionary shifts within periods of normal science.

Conclusions:

• The redefinition of physical base units offers a unique case study in scientific change.
• Confirmation holism plays a significant role in the development of fundamental science.
• The boundaries between normal science and scientific revolutions may be more fluid than traditionally defined.