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Against the Excesses of Quantum Gravity: A Plea for Modesty

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 April 2022

Erik Curiel
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Abstract

I argue that all current research programs in quantum gravity conform to the 17th century hypothetico-deductive model of scientific inquiry, perhaps of necessity given the current state of technology. In so far as they do not recognize and advertise the shortcomings of the research method they use, they do a disservice to the integrity of science, for the method admits of far less certainty accruing to its products than one would be led to believe by the pronouncements of researchers in the area.

Type
Quantum Gravity
Information
Philosophy of Science , Volume 68 , Issue S3: No. 3 Supplement: Proceedings of the 2000 Biennial Meeting of the Philosophy of Science Association. Part I: Contributed Papers Sep., 2001 , 2001 , pp. S424 - S441
Copyright
Copyright © Philosophy of Science Association 2001

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Footnotes

‡

I thank Rob Clifton, Matt Frank, John Hunter, Carlo Rovelli, Eric Schliesser, and Michael Strevens for penetrating comments on an earlier draft of this paper. It would have been a far poorer work than it is without their input; I remain responsible for its errors and defects. I am particularly grateful to Carlo for responding to my mildly hysterical prose with good humor, grace, patience, and (best of all) invaluable insight on virtually every aspect of the issues discussed.

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