Kuhn vs. Popper on criticism and dogmatism in science, part II: How to strike the balance

This paper is a supplement to, and provides a proof of principle of, Kuhn vs. Popper on Criticism and Dogmatism in Science: A Resolution at the Group Level. It illustrates how calculations may be performed in order to determine how the balance between different functions in science—such as imaginative, critical, and dogmatic—should be struck, with respect to confirmation (or corroboration) functions and rules of scientific method.

• Considers how the balance between different functions in science should be struck. • Explores how confirmation functions may bear on the issue. • Provides sample calculations using a simple model. • Illustrates how further complexity may be introduced. • Advocates a new computational research programme.