Spescha, Andrin (2026) Why Some Sciences Achieve More Rapid Progress. [Preprint]

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Abstract

This paper explores how empirical testing differs across the sciences and how this influences their respective progress. It compares the sciences along two key dimensions. First, sciences working mainly with physical experimental setups can obtain more accurate empirical results than sciences working only with data, since the tangible nature of the experiment allows to better detect and correct errors. Second, sciences studying small physical objects can benefit from empirical testing that is faster, less expensive, and better parallelizable than sciences studying large, not clearly defined systems. The combined ability to quickly generate numerous and accurate empirical results allows for a mutually beneficial interaction between both theory and experiment that makes rapid progress possible. Working with physical technologies more specifically cannot only benefit from this combined ability, but offers important additional advantages in empirical testing, such as a physical manifestation of auxiliary hypotheses, clear signals whether the technology works appropriately, or the capacity to better evaluate corresponding theories. These factors jointly contribute to again more accurate empirical results that also improve coordination among scientists. Consequently, sciences with technologies at their core will experience the fastest progress. The advancements of these technologies in turn provide the foundation for a well-functioning ecosystem linking together science and industry.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Spescha, Andrin spescha@kof.ethz.ch 0000-0002-5739-3218
Keywords:	scientific progress; experiment; trial and error; empirical results; technology; innovation ecosystems
Subjects:	General Issues > Experimentation General Issues > Technology General Issues > Theory Change
Depositing User:	Dr. Andrin Spescha
Date Deposited:	02 Jun 2026 18:37
Last Modified:	02 Jun 2026 18:37
Item ID:	29877
Subjects:	General Issues > Experimentation General Issues > Technology General Issues > Theory Change
Date:	1 June 2026
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/29877

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