Curious, do you think something like Occam's Razor belongs in that list of what makes a successful theory? I feel like you can always add the analogue of epicycles and have an equally good theory, no?
@BigEatie Ye gods, I don't mean to imply that my presentation of the concept of "theory" is comprehensive or complete. Or even if there is any such thing. I know practically nothing about the philosophy of science at the current state of the art.
This is a discussion in a general education course for non-science majors. We can't do everything. But it makes for great questions (like yours!) in the hallway after each meeting....
Gregory's Server
@BigEatie Ye gods, I don't mean to imply that my presentation of the concept of "theory" is comprehensive or complete. Or even if there is any such thing. I know practically nothing about the philosophy of science at the current state of the art.
This is a discussion in a general education course for non-science majors. We can't do everything. But it makes for great questions (like yours!) in the hallway after each meeting....