A Compatibility Law and the Classification of Theory Change

Abstract

The current formulation of the zeroth law (the law of compatibility) is marred with a number of theoretical problems, which necessitate its reformulation. In this paper, we propose that compatibility is an independent stance that can be taken towards epistemic elements of all types. We then provide a new definition of compatibility criteria to reflect this change. We show that the content of the zeroth law is deducible from our definition of compatibility. Instead of a static law of compatibility, we propose a new dynamic law of compatibility that explains how the stance of compatibility obtains. Unlike the zeroth law, this new law has empirical content, as it forbids certain conceivable scenarios. Having established these notions, we propose a classification space that exhaustively covers all the possible states a theory may occupy and all the transitions it may undergo during its lifecycle.

Suggested Modifications

[Sciento-2018-0015]: Accept the following definition of compatibility:

• Compatibility ≡ the ability of two elements to coexist in the same mosaic.

Also accept the following corollary:

• Compatibility Corollary: at any moment of time, the elements of the scientific mosaic are compatible with each other.

Accept that all theorems that take the current zeroth law as their premise are recoverable when the compatibility corollary is used as a premise instead. 

Reject the zeroth law.

[Sciento-2018-0016]: Accept compatibility as a distinct epistemic stance that can be taken towards epistemic elements of all types.

Also accept that compatibility is binary, reflexive, and symmetric. Transitivity of compatibility holds only within mosaics, not sui generis.

[Sciento-2018-0017]: Accept the following definition of compatibility criteria:

• Compatibility Criteria ≡ criteria for determining whether two elements are compatible or incompatible.

Reject the previous definition of compatibility criteria.

[Sciento-2018-0018]: Accept the following law of compatibility as a scientonomic axiom:

• The Law of Compatibility: if a pair of elements satisfies the compatibility criteria employed at the time, it becomes compatible within the mosaic; if it does not, it is deemed incompatible; and if assessment is inconclusive, the pair can become compatible, incompatible, or its status may be unknown.

[Sciento-2018-0019]: Accept the new definition of theory acceptance:

• Theory Acceptance ≡ an accepted theory is a scientific theory that is taken as the best available description or prescription of its object.

Reject the previous definition of theory acceptance.

[Sciento-2018-0020]: Accept the following theorem:

• Demarcation-Acceptance Synchronism theorem: every theory that becomes accepted satisfies the demarcation criteria employed at the time of acceptance.