Physical theory and experiment

Pierre Duhem

pp. 1-40

in: Sandra Harding (ed), Can theories be refuted?, Berlin, Springer, 1976

Abstract

The sole purpose of physical theory is to provide a representation and classification of experimental laws; the only test permitting us to judge a physical theory and pronounce it good or bad is the comparison between the consequences of this theory and the experimental laws it has to represent and classify. Now that we have minutely analyzed the characteristics of a physical experiment and of a physical law, we can establish the principles that should govern the comparison between experiment and theory; we can tell how we shall recognize whether a theory is confirmed or weakened by facts.