What's so special about empirical adequacy?

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Science
• Theoretical Frameworks

Background:

• Scientific theories are often evaluated based on empirical adequacy, which is the ability to accurately predict observable phenomena.
• Both scientific realists and antirealists consider empirical adequacy a key criterion for theory acceptance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To challenge the primacy of empirical adequacy in evaluating scientific theories.
• To propose alternative criteria for theory evaluation: understanding and managing the world.
• To investigate the role of empirical adequacy in achieving these alternative goals.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the roles of scientific theories.
• Philosophical argumentation regarding the utility of empirical adequacy.
• Exploration of how theories contribute to understanding and managing the world.

Main Results:

• Empirical adequacy is not a necessary condition for a theory to facilitate understanding.
• Empirical adequacy can hinder efficient world management and understanding.
• Understanding and managing the world are often more important functions of theories than empirical adequacy.

Conclusions:

• The traditional emphasis on empirical adequacy in science may be misplaced.
• Alternative criteria, such as explanatory power and practical utility, should be prioritized.
• Rethinking theory evaluation can lead to more effective scientific progress.