What is the Relativity of Wrong?

In summary, the conversation discusses an essay by Asimov on the concept of degrees of wrongness in science and the idea that there may be a final, non-scientific truth. There is a disagreement on whether this idea is valid and the conversation is ultimately closed without reaching a conclusion.
  • #1
FallenApple
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I read the essay. It's a very interesting account of scientific progress. What type of scientific paradigm is this? It seems to have a very close feel to Bayesian Epistemology and/or Inference

Quote from Wiki

In the title essay, Asimov argues that there exist degrees of wrongness, and being wrong in one way is not necessarily as bad as being wrong in another way.
https://chem.tufts.edu/answersinscience/relativityofwrong.htm
 
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  • #2
FallenApple said:
What type of scientific paradigm is this?
As far as I know it's no paradigm. It is just an essay, where the 'better-and-better' is displayed in inverse manner.

The 'less-and-less wrong' kind of indicates the existence of something 'finally it's no longer wrong' type of TRUTH. But any such truth would have serious problems with falsification, therefore it cannot be considered scientific any longer. Thus, the 'less-and-less wrong' is not really used seriously. What kind of science would tolerate a non-scientific target?
 
  • #3
Rive said:
But any such truth would have serious problems with falsification, therefore it cannot be considered scientific any longer.
I think this is a misunderstanding. Not being falsified doesn’t mean that you have a problem with falsification.
 
  • #4
I agree with Dale. There's a difference between not capable of being falsified versus accurate enough to say that it's not false.
 
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Likes Dale
  • #5
As this essay is really about the philosophy of science and we don't discuss philosophical issues here at PF. I say its time to close this thread.

Thank you all for contributing here.

Jedi
 

1. What is the "Relativity of Wrong Essay"?

The "Relativity of Wrong Essay" is an influential essay written by science fiction author Isaac Asimov. It discusses the concept that in science, there are different degrees of being wrong, and that our understanding of the world is constantly evolving and improving.

2. How does the essay challenge traditional ideas about right and wrong?

The essay challenges the idea that things are either completely right or completely wrong. Asimov argues that there are varying degrees of wrongness, and that being partially wrong can still lead to progress and improvement.

3. What is the main message of the "Relativity of Wrong Essay"?

The main message of the essay is that science is a process of continual learning and refinement, and that even when our current understanding is proven wrong, it is still valuable and necessary for progress.

4. How does the essay relate to the concept of falsifiability in science?

The essay is closely related to the concept of falsifiability, which states that a scientific theory must be able to be proven wrong in order to be considered valid. The "Relativity of Wrong Essay" expands on this idea by acknowledging that even if a theory is proven wrong, it still contains valuable insights and can lead to further progress.

5. What impact has the "Relativity of Wrong Essay" had on the scientific community?

The essay has had a significant impact on the scientific community by challenging traditional ideas about right and wrong and promoting a more nuanced understanding of scientific progress. It has also inspired further discussions and research on the concept of being "wrong" in science.

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