Final answer:
Scientists discard theories when contradictory evidence arises or when a theory cannot be empirically tested. The scientific method requires that hypotheses be testable and falsifiable, leading to a process where some ideas are rejected, and our understanding is continually refined.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why Scientists Discard Theories
Scientists discard theories when they encounter contradictory observations or when the theories cannot be supported by empirical evidence. Throughout the scientific process, ideas are constantly open to revision, and nature can be understood through systematic study. According to the scientific method, a hypothesis must be both testable and falsifiable to be considered scientific. Sound scientific ideas withstand the test of time, evolving, and strengthening through repeated experimentation and observation. However, science cannot provide answers to all questions; particularly those that are not testable or lack empirical evidence.
If an experiment's results are inconsistent with a hypothesis, that hypothesis is typically rejected. This rejection does not confirm the validity of other hypotheses; it only indicates that one possibility has been eliminated due to a lack of supporting evidence. Science is inherently flexible, and while following a structured scientific method, there is room for adaptation as new information becomes available or unexpected findings emerge.
Over time, more theories might seem to confuse students, but in reality, it is the process through which scientists refine our understanding of the world. Hypotheses must be based on the available evidence, dismissing ideas with no viable scientific alternatives or those that are unfounded. The suppression of alternative scientific theories by the establishment is a non-scientific practice, as science thrives on openness and critical evaluation.