Presumably the rival scientist (or Scientific Research Program) is predicting, and observing O3. In my reading, it's the successful rival that is really crucial for Lakatos.
Lakatosian defense is aptly summarized by paraphrasing Miraculous Max in "The Princess Bride:" "This theory is _mostly_ dead. And mostly dead means slightly alive!" The part that's slightly alive is the core.
This is like a TV series in which every episode ends in a cliff-hanger!
Presumably the rival scientist (or Scientific Research Program) is predicting, and observing O3. In my reading, it's the successful rival that is really crucial for Lakatos.
Following the story with interest
Lakatosian defense is aptly summarized by paraphrasing Miraculous Max in "The Princess Bride:" "This theory is _mostly_ dead. And mostly dead means slightly alive!" The part that's slightly alive is the core.