Empirical Testing and Ad Hocness in Scientific Theories

Exploring the empirical nature of Darwinian evolution, this chapter discusses the challenges of refuting the theory and the role of DNA in supporting it. It contrasts 'easy to vary' theories with 'ad hoc' explanations and delves into examples like the Miller-Urey experiment to showcase how some theories lack empirical content. The chapter concludes by highlighting the subjective nature of determining a theory's explanatory content and how defenders can justify theories despite lacking standard empirical testing criteria.