Aickin, Mikel (2025) The Failed Experiment That Failed to Fail. [Preprint]

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Abstract

The Michelson-Morley experiment has become famous for disproving the existence of the luminiferous ether, and supposedly providing Einstein with the inspiration for special relativity. Although it has been much discussed in the literature, there has never been a comprehensive scientific and statistical analysis of the published results. The attempt to do so here uncovers statistical, logical, and scientific problems, sufficient to warrant the claim that the scientists actually did discover two effects, one of which they were seeking. This episode illustrates how a failure to apply sound philosophical principles of science can derail an otherwise excellent experiment, and create an enduring false history.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Aickin, Mikel mikel@mikelaickin.us 0000-0001-7885-5453
Keywords:	Michelson-Morley, luminiferous ether, special relativity
Subjects:	General Issues > History of Science Case Studies
Depositing User:	Dr. Mikel Aickin
Date Deposited:	05 Nov 2025 13:38
Last Modified:	05 Nov 2025 13:38
Item ID:	27117
Subjects:	General Issues > History of Science Case Studies
Date:	4 November 2025
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/27117

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