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Volume 15: Number 4: Article 2
Anomalies and Surprises
Henry H. Bauer, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry & Science Studies,
Dean Emeritus of Arts & Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State
University
Surprises are anomalies when they not only occur unexpectedly but also
run distinctly counter to established beliefs. Is then every anomaly
also a surprise? Yes and no. They always surprise those working in the
given field; but historians and philosophers of science and other pundits
know that anomalies are bound to crop up as science progresses; indeed,
science progresses because of the recurrence of anomalies. The contemporary
and widely acclaimed knowledge explosion has a little-remarked corollary:
anomalies will occur more frequently. At the same time, the increasing
influence exerted by those who provide research funds makes more damaging
the tendency to ignore anomalies and stick with what has successfully
brought funding in the past.
Keywords: anomalies as surprises, scientific progress
FULL TEXT:
Anomalies and Surprises
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