sine writes:
But, with his multi-million dollar funding for developing his theory, he has stumbled on a serious flaw. However, he realises that, given the expense and counterintuitiveness of the rogue test, it is unlikely anyone else will discover the glitch. Does he speak out and publicise it in the interests of science? Or does he keep quiet?
I find this very very unlikely. EVERYTHING, and I do mean EVERYTHING, Prof Blank did has to be repeatable by EVERYONE who attempts to repeat the experiment. I find it hard to believe that not a single scientist would be able to notice a discrepency.
A little known junior scientist is proposing what he believes to be an alternative simpler theory. He is struggling for funding to test, support, and popularise his theory. Professor Blank gets to hear of it and finds that this new theory explains the case which his theory could not explain. He risks losing a lot of funding and his special status as originator of current theory. Do you expect him to speak up at this point in the interest of science? Or would his competitive streak interfere?
You've seen way too many sci-fi channel movies. It's always this little known persecuted scientist with a wacky idea that turns out to be right.
That's not how science is done.
Added by edit.
Let's not forget the 2 researchers that claimed they found cold fusion. After the ordeal, they couldn't even sell used cars.
Edited by Taz, : No reason given.
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