Self-correction

That facet or feature of the process or conduct of science and critical thinking in which errors are recognized or discovered and corrected, revised, or rectified. For example, through the availability of new evidence or by a fresh, thorough examination of evidence currently at hand, or if we find – through someone else pointing this out, perhaps – that our previous reasoning was faulty or flawed, then we may change our conclusion. Any of which affords the opportunity to move towards an improved understanding of a situation, event, or phenomenon, and the wider world.

On this basis changes in scientific opinion and the beliefs of critical thinkers are not an indication of indecisiveness and weakness, but rather strength and a deep respect for truth.

(see also: file drawer problem, peer review, scientific approach, replication, scepticism – openminded, counter-argument, quality of evidence, problem of adequacy, independent evidence, proof»prove, argument, (hidden) assumptions, cf. believers)

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