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Omitting data—ethical or strategic problem?

Jaakko Hintikka

pp. 169-176

Abstract

Omitting experimental data is often considered a violation of scientific integrity. If we consider experimental inquiry as a questioning process, omitting data is seen to be merely an example of tentatively rejecting (‘bracketing’) some of nature’s answers. Such bracketing is not only occasionally permissible; sometimes it is mandated by optimal interrogative strategies. When to omit data is therefore a strategic rather than ethical question. These points are illustrated by reference to Millikan’s oil drop experiment.

Publication details

Published in:

(2005) Candor in science. Synthese 145 (2).

Pages: 169-176

DOI: 10.1007/s11229-005-3745-4

Full citation:

Hintikka Jaakko (2005) „Omitting data—ethical or strategic problem?“. Synthese 145 (2), 169–176.