How does a scientific discovery/theory relate to the discoveries/theories that preceded it?

Question

Does the new discovery/theory build on the old one? Does it completely replace the old one?

 

Answer 1

It depends. Some scientists find new theories that correspond to old ones, and thus build upon it or change the old theory in some way. They add to the old stuff.

 

Others, for example those in new or up-incoming fields, may discovery new things and create their own theories. These are then tested by other's and are either confirmed or denied. These scientist create new theories.

 

If the new theory finds either an error or totally disproves the old theory, this new theory takes the old's place. But this process takes a lot of time and effort as it is rigorously tested (people don't really like change). So, a new theory could replace an old one, but it has to be tested and retested numerous times.

 

So the short answer would be, it really depends on what subject you're talking about.