Quote:
Originally posted by Uncle Al:
Theory must always be handmaiden to observation. Observation cannot be gainside in science. Theory is rigorously derived, self-consistent, and survives empirical falsification. It can still be wrong.

Amen! That is why peer review should be objective and not in defense of existing dogma. It is very subtle. As pointed out by you theory might be consistent but still wrong. Another theory might be equally consistent and correct. According to Occam's razor the theory which simplifies interpretation should be considered as correct. But even this approach might also be misleading? Nonetheless, a theory that cannot explain everything about a phenomenon must contain some inherent flaws; like the BCS theory.

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