Acceptance of a scientific theory involves belief in its empirical adequacy and practical commitment to its use, without requiring belief in its full truth about unobservables. This concerns epistemic attitudes, whereas the distinction between a constructive theory and a principle theory concerns explanatory organization.[ref]
Constructive Empiricism Now by Bas van Fraassen. section III
A theory is empirically adequate when it correctly represents the observable phenomena, including those not yet observed. Agreement with the data already collected is therefore insufficient to establish empirical adequacy.
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Constructive empiricism is a philosophical position regarding the nature of scientific theories and their relationship to truth and reality. It was primarily developed by the philosopher Bas C. van Fraassen in his 1980 book, "The Scientific Image." Key tenets of constructive empiricism include: 1. **Acceptance of Theories**: Constructive empiricism holds that a scientific theory is to be accepted as long as it is empirically adequate.